Nottingham Forest civil war takes fresh turn as Nuno Espirito Santo exit stance confirmed

Just six months ago, it would have been unfeasible to suggest that Nottingham Forest were a broken club. On March 8, 2025 the Midlands side downed reigning champions Manchester City to leave them third in the Premier League and on track for a place in the Champions League.

While there was a drop-off in form towards the end of the season - Forest sliding down to seventh - a place in Europe still represented a wonderful campaign for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. After all, this was a club that had endured a two-decade exile from the top-flight and had even fallen down to the third tier of English football.

But things appear to have gone awry since then. Head coach Nuno and owner Evangelos Marinakis have been at each other’s throats, their relationship “changed” according to the former Wolves boss.

Meanwhile, Nuno has immediately clashed with newly-appointed Edu to leave Forest split straight down the middle. And that appears to have spilled onto the pitch - Forest being downed 3-0 by winless West Ham at the weekend.

Despite Marinakis attempting to patch things up with his head coach, the Greek having dug into his pocket for late recruits, it does not appear to have satisfied Nuno. He has left £37.5m record signing Omari Hutchinson out of his Europa League squad, while deadline day arrival Oleksandr Zinchenko has also been omitted.

READ MORE: Unemployed ex-Premier League star once worth £8m scores from halfway line vs Man Utd

READ MORE: Djed Spence speaks of 'blessing' as he prepares to become England's first Muslim international

Forest have to abide by UEFA rules and are unable to register every player meaning some have to be left out. But this appears to be a clear message from Nuno that it’s him who leads the decisions of the footballing side of the club - not those responsible for recruitment.

Nuno has yet to reveal the exact reason behind those omissions, it could simply be tactical. Some have suggested that competition facing Hutchinson was a driving force behind him being left off the provisional list.

But given the money spent and the talent he possesses, that excuse surely does not lie. The decision to leave Zinchenko out is baffling given his experience and versatility - he’d have been an ideal addition to the squad ahead of what is expected to be a gruelling campaign.

Should Nuno remain in charge at Nottingham Forest? Share your thoughts in the comments below

One man who has been included is midfielder Elliot Anderson. The 22-year-old has been key to Forest’s ascent since his move from boyhood club Newcastle.

And he is clear over his allegiance. Asked if he hoped Nuno would still be Forest boss after the international break, he replied: “Yeah definitely.

“He’s been really good for me. I feel he’s given me the freedom to go out and do what I do. He just believes in me, which is the main thing.

“He has said ‘go out and play the way you train’, which has really helped me. Freedom in the team has given me the platform to do well.

“Right now I’m just focusing on this camp and doing my best here and then when I get back to my club I’ll be focused on my club.”

It would be a surprise to see any Forest players - allowing for those brutally axed - taking a different stance over Nuno’s future. And it now leaves the Midlands club at a bit of a crossroads.

Do they move the manager on who has got them to this position and potentially undo all of that positive work? Or do they stick with him and hope the situation can repair itself?

It’s a tricky decision for Marinakis. And while that debate rages in the boardroom at the City Ground, you’ve got two footballers without European football potentially through no fault of their own.

Forest a broken club right now and you just have to question how it has gone so drastically wrong in just five months.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.