Richard Keys Reveals Ange Postecoglou Mistake Behind Scenes That Led to Sacking

Richard Keys has named the one key mistake that cost Ange Postecoglou his job at Nottingham Forest.

Just four months after he was sacked by former club Tottenham Hotspur, a club statement from Nottingham Forest confirmed that they had parted way with Postecoglu due to his poor form.

The 60-year-old replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at the Midlands club on September 9 after the Portuguese manager had a public fallout with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Across his 39 days with Forest, Postecoglu failed to win any of his eight games in charge, with the nail in the coffin being the 3-0 loss to Chelsea at the City ground.

But according to former Sky Sports presenter Keys, there was one key decision that Postecoglu made early in his tenure at Forest that made it clear that he didn't belong.

Ange Postecoglu was sacked after 39 days in charge of Nottingham Forest. (Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Postecoglu, who signed a two-year deal with Forest, lost six times and managed just two draws during his 39-day tenure, taking the record as shortest reigning permanent Premier League manager.

And while writing in his blog looking back over the last week in football, Keys took some time to reflect on Postecoglu's time at Forest.

"Do we congratulate Ange on setting a new record? Sacked after 39 days. We all saw it coming. How come he didn’t?" Keys asked.

While discussing how the Greek-Australian manager set up his team at Forest, Keys named the one key decision that meant that the writing was on the wall for Postecoglu from the very start.

Keys added: "He wanted to change things too quickly I’m afraid. Look - I’m not suggesting things at Forest were calm following Nuno’s departure - or even leading up to it, but Ange didn’t get players on board.

"He lost too many too quickly. Why change solid back four - one of the best in the league last season, into a five? Why leave Murillo out? He’s a Maguire-type warrior.

"My only surprise was why Marinakis waited until after the international break. What was the point? If Chelsea turned up - and they did in the second-half, that was a nailed on away win. So why wait? I’d like to wish the next man all the luck in the world. He’s going to need it."

Sean Dyche has been appointed as the new Forest manager. (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Nottingham Forest announce Sean Dyche as new manager

Just days after Postecoglu's departure, it was confirmed that Dyche would be the manager receiving Keys' well wishes, as Forest confirmed that he had been appointed their new manager.

The former Burnley and Everton boss has signed a contract to run until the summer of 2027, as he becomes Forest's third manager this season.

"Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the appointment of Sean Dyche as the Club’s new Head Coach, following a thorough recruitment process led by Global Head of Football, Edu Gaspar, and Global Technical Director, George Syrianos," a club statement confirmed.

"The former Forest youth player joins the Club on a contract running until the summer of 2027 and will take charge of his first match on Thursday night as The Reds take on FC Porto in the Europa League.

"A respected and experienced Premier League manager, Dyche brings the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen and proven achievement to guide the Club through its next chapter."