Thewolf/jimmygordon
Vital Champions League
Put forward by chatgpt:
Very surprised to see Potter at the top of the list. I kind of think Dyche as a firefighter til the end of the season might make sense whilst we catch our breath. Upto him to then earn a longer deal or not.
Ten Haag i had never thought of. But from this list would probably be my choice if we want more than a holding manager.
He would need to be given time though.
Nottingham Forest – Free Agent Shortlist (Oct 2025)
Graham Potter
Why he fits: Premier League knowledge, progressive style, proven ability to build a mid-table team (Brighton). Can develop players and give Forest identity beyond survival.
Risk: Needs time and a clear recruitment strategy — two things Forest ownership doesn’t always give. Chelsea disaster still hangs over him.
Verdict: Best balance of survival + long-term project. If Forest back him properly, he’s the standout.
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Sean Dyche
Why he fits: Premier League survival specialist. Will organise Forest defensively, make them hard to beat, and keep them in the fight.
Risk: Pragmatic style — ugly football, limited creativity. Long-term ceiling is mid-table at best.
Verdict: Safest short-term fix. If the brief is “just stay up”, Dyche is the man.
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Edin Terzić
Why he fits: Took Borussia Dortmund to the 2024/25 Champions League final. Young, ambitious, tactically flexible. Could be a huge coup for Forest.
Risk: No Premier League experience, may see Forest as too small a step. Would need a serious sales pitch to join.
Verdict: High-upside gamble — if he says yes, Forest would punch above their weight.
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Ralph Hasenhüttl
Why he fits: Knows the Premier League (Southampton), brings high-energy pressing football. Has shown he can overachieve with limited squads.
Risk: Very streaky. Southampton had incredible highs (9–0 wins) and lows (9–0 losses). Inconsistent survival manager.
Verdict: Middle-ground pick. Could work if Forest want an experienced hand with some tactical flair, but less safe than Dyche.
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Erik ten Hag
Why he fits: Huge pedigree from Ajax (Champions League semi-final, developed top players). PL experience with Man Utd, strong on structure and pressing.
Risk: Needs total backing and control — Forest’s chaotic ownership would clash hard with him. Expensive, and reputation dented by United exit.
Verdict: Great coach, poor fit for Forest’s setup. High risk of quick fallout.
Overall Ranking for Forest’s Situation
1. Graham Potter –
long-term project & stability
2. Sean Dyche – safest survival option
3. Edin Terzić –
ambitious gamble
4. Ralph Hasenhüttl –
middle-ground choice
5. Erik ten Hag –
doesn’t fit Forest chaos
If you were the board:
Potter = best if you’re serious about building.
Dyche = safest if you’re panicking about relegation.
Terzić = best if you want to swing for the fences.
Very surprised to see Potter at the top of the list. I kind of think Dyche as a firefighter til the end of the season might make sense whilst we catch our breath. Upto him to then earn a longer deal or not.
Ten Haag i had never thought of. But from this list would probably be my choice if we want more than a holding manager.
He would need to be given time though.
Nottingham Forest – Free Agent Shortlist (Oct 2025) Graham PotterWhy he fits: Premier League knowledge, progressive style, proven ability to build a mid-table team (Brighton). Can develop players and give Forest identity beyond survival.
Risk: Needs time and a clear recruitment strategy — two things Forest ownership doesn’t always give. Chelsea disaster still hangs over him.
Verdict: Best balance of survival + long-term project. If Forest back him properly, he’s the standout.
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Sean DycheWhy he fits: Premier League survival specialist. Will organise Forest defensively, make them hard to beat, and keep them in the fight.
Risk: Pragmatic style — ugly football, limited creativity. Long-term ceiling is mid-table at best.
Verdict: Safest short-term fix. If the brief is “just stay up”, Dyche is the man.
---
Edin TerzićWhy he fits: Took Borussia Dortmund to the 2024/25 Champions League final. Young, ambitious, tactically flexible. Could be a huge coup for Forest.
Risk: No Premier League experience, may see Forest as too small a step. Would need a serious sales pitch to join.
Verdict: High-upside gamble — if he says yes, Forest would punch above their weight.
---
Ralph HasenhüttlWhy he fits: Knows the Premier League (Southampton), brings high-energy pressing football. Has shown he can overachieve with limited squads.
Risk: Very streaky. Southampton had incredible highs (9–0 wins) and lows (9–0 losses). Inconsistent survival manager.
Verdict: Middle-ground pick. Could work if Forest want an experienced hand with some tactical flair, but less safe than Dyche.
---
Erik ten HagWhy he fits: Huge pedigree from Ajax (Champions League semi-final, developed top players). PL experience with Man Utd, strong on structure and pressing.
Risk: Needs total backing and control — Forest’s chaotic ownership would clash hard with him. Expensive, and reputation dented by United exit.
Verdict: Great coach, poor fit for Forest’s setup. High risk of quick fallout.
Overall Ranking for Forest’s Situation1. Graham Potter –
long-term project & stability2. Sean Dyche –
safest survival option3. Edin Terzić –
ambitious gamble4. Ralph Hasenhüttl –
middle-ground choice5. Erik ten Hag –
doesn’t fit Forest chaos If you were the board:Potter = best if you’re serious about building.
Dyche = safest if you’re panicking about relegation.
Terzić = best if you want to swing for the fences.
