Vitor Pereira Appointed Nottingham Forest Manager on 18-Month Deal

Nottingham Forest have appointed Vitor Pereira as their new manager on an 18-month contract, making him the club’s fourth permanent boss of the season.

The 57-year-old Portuguese takes over from Sean Dyche, who was sacked on Thursday. Pereira’s immediate task is to steer Forest clear of relegation from the Premier League, where they currently sit 17th, three points above the drop zone, following just two wins in their last 10 games.

Pereira will lead his first training session on Monday, with his managerial debut coming in the first leg of the Europa League knockout round play-off against his former club Fenerbahce in Turkey on Thursday. Forest then host Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, 22 February.

Forest’s decision sets a Premier League record, as no club has ever had four different permanent managers in a single season.

Pereira returns to English football after a brief stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he was dismissed in November after 11 months. He replaces Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, and Dyche, all of whom held the Forest managerial role since September.

Dyche was relieved of his duties after a goalless draw with bottom-placed Wolves on Wednesday. Pereira, who previously worked under Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis at Greek club Olympiacos, quickly emerged as the preferred replacement. He won the Greek Super League and Cup in the 2014–15 season during a six-month spell at Olympiacos before moving to Fenerbahce.

Pereira began his managerial career with Portuguese club Sanjoanense in 2004 and has since worked across Germany, China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, making Forest his 15th managerial appointment. His coaching team will include Filipe Jorge Monteiro Almeida and Luis Miguel Moreira Da Silva as assistants.

Forest’s season has been turbulent: Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked after three games due to a breakdown in his relationship with Marinakis, and Postecoglou lasted only 39 days, failing to secure a league win. Dyche initially brought stability but struggled in recent weeks, with Forest producing 35 shots without scoring in the draw with Wolves. Their 8.3% conversion rate under Dyche was the third lowest in the league.

Pereira has long aimed to manage in the Premier League, previously being linked with Everton, Chelsea, Arsenal, Watford, and West Brom. His first Wolves season included a strong bond with fans, though tensions rose in 2025 after disagreements over transfers and results. His familiarity with Marinakis suggests a smoother relationship at Forest.

BBC Radio WM analyst Mike Taylor described Pereira’s style as short-term focused: “He galvanises teams quickly, instills basic organisation, completes the job, and moves on. That has been his method across nine clubs in 10 years before Wolves.”

Forest fans react:

• Simon: Sad to see Dyche go, but Pereira could be a shrewd choice. His Portuguese background may help with Brazilian players, and his Fenerbahce experience is relevant for the Europa League.

• Ken: Optimistic. Pereira will help Forest stay up and embed his philosophy for next season.

• Sean: Skeptical. A fourth permanent manager may worsen instability; he must improve scoring and defense quickly.

• Neil: Focus should be on Premier League survival, even at Europa League expense.

• Tony: Blames the owner for the chaotic season; doubts Forest will survive.