Nottingham Forest 'yet to make decision on key figure'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 20 May 2024

Nottingham Forest are reportedly yet to make a decision over the future of one of their key figures in securing Premier League survival.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly yet to make a decision over the future of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

When Steve Cooper was removed from his position at the back end of 2023, Forest opted to replace the Welshman with former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur man Nuno.

There have been times during his short reign when Forest have looked like relegation candidates, not helped by a four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

However, the East Midlands outfit would ultimately avoid the drop by a total of six points, helped by a strong end to the campaign.

That said, their upturn in results came in the short term and they were victories over the bottom two sides in the division in Sheffield United and Burnley.

Nottingham Forest celebrate scoring against Chelsea on May 11, 2024. © Reuters

Nuno future remains up in the air

Taking that into consideration, it appears that it is far from a foregone conclusion that the Portuguese will remain in the City Ground dugout.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Nuno's future at Forest is described as 'being open' with all possibilities remaining on the table.

Romano says that the 50-year-old is due to hold discussions with the club's hierarchy to determine their next step.

Although Forest were able to avoid relegation and were not helped by the off-field punishment, they were less convincing in staying in the top flight than under Cooper during 2022-23.

That is despite a number of notable additions being made such as Murillo, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga.

Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo during Everton game on April 21, 2024. © Reuters

Has Nuno justified his appointment?

When you see that Nuno has won just seven of his 26 matches in charge in all competitions, it is easy to see why a change may benefit all parties.

Nevertheless, since Nuno's arrival on December 20, Forest have the 14th-best return in the Premier League, better than the likes of Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Forest have improved considerably on their travels, helped by the recent victories, to accumulate 11 points from 10 games; they have the same points return at the City Ground.

Much may depend on what funds are available to spend on new players in the summer, as well as which key players could be sold to boost the PSR situation.