Ange Postecoglou to coach Nottingham Forest against Arsenal in EPL return

Ange Postecoglou has reportedly been appointed Nottingham Forest’s new manager, just hours after Nuno Espírito Santo was sacked three games into the English Premier League season.

In what is a stunning comeback after being fired as Tottenham’s coach earlier this year - despite winning the Europa League title - Postecoglou is set to take control of the Nottingham Forest side as early as Tuesday (UK time) in preparation for their weekend match against Arsenal.

It is being widely reported that a deal has been struck between Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and Postecoglou, with the Australian believed to have agreed to coach the team until the end of next season.

Despite only being given a new contract in June after guiding Forest into the Europa League last term, Nuno was fired overnight.

Postecoglou, who was sacked in June by Tottenham had emerged as the frontrunner to replace him.

Nuno and Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis had an increasingly volatile relationship, ultimately leading to the split rather than on-field results.

Marinakis was seen remonstrating with Nuno after a 2-2 draw against Leicester at the end of last season, although at the time the club put that down to Taiwo Awoniyi playing on with a serious abdominal injury.

But Marinikas’ Greek heritage and respect for Postecoglou has led to him hiring the former Socceroos coach for his second EPL job.

In July, Marinakis presented Postecoglou with an award recognising him for being the first Greek to win the Europa League.

“What he achieved, he did with a team that has not won any titles, it has had a very difficult time in recent years,” Marinakis said in June.

“In this huge success that the whole world saw, he promoted Greece.

“We must thank him especially for this and we wish him well, although we are sure that he will do well as he has the ability.

“Wherever he goes, the successes will come.”

Postecoglou has maintained a dignified silence since being let go by Tottenham, who finished 17th in the EPL last season despite their Europa success.

Tottenham have started this season brightly under new manager Thomas Frank.

Previously, Nuno had criticised Forest’s activity in the summer transfer window, saying they had wasted a good chance, despite adding the likes of James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Douglas Luiz.

Having led the club into Europe, Nuno departs the City Ground as the club’s most successful manager since Frank Clark, and they currently sit 10th in the Premier League table.

Nuno was Marinakis’ seventh manager since becoming Forest’s majority shareholder in 2017.

With AAP