Nottingham Forest suspicions raised as whispers on Ange Postecoglou replacement 'heard'

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Former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson has shared his verdict on Ange Postecoglou's dismissal and revealed he 'heard' Sean Dyche was a potential target. Forest are searching for their third manager of the campaign after the Australian's exit.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur chief was shown the door following their 3-0 hammering by Chelsea on Saturday. Postecoglou failed to secure victory in his eight games at the helm, suffering six defeats and managing just two draws.

The Australian proved a shock choice earlier this term when Nuno Espirito Santo was axed merely three matches into the season. Yet, 39 days on, Evangelos Marinakis has pulled the trigger once more, with Dyche emerging as the bookies' early front-runner alongside Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard , who recently snubbed a return to Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers.

Speaking on Sky Sports , Dawson, who made 122 appearances for the club during his spell there, delivered his instant response to Postecoglou's exit and speculation linking Forest with Dyche.

"I heard it in the week. I can see why they would go for Sean Dyche, his links with his staff, Ian Woan, Steve Stone," he said.

"They (Forest) are now looking over their shoulders. Fourth bottom, five points in eight games. He (Marinakis) will be worried.

"Am I surprised it's happened now? Probably not, on the back of his eight games and 18 goals conceded.

"I sat on Sky Sports News on Monday and went 'give the guy time, how long is this going to carry on for?' Marinakis has caused this himself. People and Nottingham Forest fans when Ange got given the manager's job were thinking 'why him?'"

"So much of a contrast between Nuno, what he did, and the way Ange played last year.

"Yes, he brought a trophy for Tottenham , magnificent, but Ange from what we saw at Celtic, saw at Spurs, he was never going to change. Do I feel for him? I certainly do."

Dyche has been without work since Everton axed him in January. The 54-year-old came through the youth ranks and hails from the local area around the City Ground, frequently spotted watching Forest matches whilst he was at Goodison Park.

Forest released a short statement confirming Postecoglou's axing after just 39 days in charge, minutes after the full-time whistle on Saturday. Chants of 'you're getting sacked in the morning' and boos from home fans were routinely aimed at him during the match.

"Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect," a statement from the club read.

"The club will make no further comment at this time."