Sean Dyche is facing growing doubts about his long-term future as Nottingham Forest boss amid uncertainty about whether he will be in charge next season even if he keeps them up.
Forest’s third manager this season, Dyche was appointed in October with Forest two points adrift of safety and has taken 21 points from his 17 games to leave them three points clear of the bottom three.
Had the season started when Dyche took charge, Forest would be 13th, six points above the relegation zone.
Dyche, who signed a contract until June 2027, was also nominated for manager of the month for January after guiding Forest on a four-match unbeaten run. He has been without last season’s top scorer Chris Wood for his whole tenure.
Yet despite the solid points haul, Daily Mail Sport understands there has been some concern within the hierarchy about performances in certain matches, notably the abject showing at Elland Road last Friday, where Forest were swept aside by Leeds, one of their main rivals for top-flight survival.
Since they beat Tottenham 3-0 on December, Forest have not won a Premier League game at the City Ground. Of the nine matches since that victory, they have taken lost five, winning only at West Ham and Brentford last month.
If improving West Ham beat Manchester United on Tuesday, they will draw level with Forest, who play bottom club Wolves at home on Wednesday.
After Forest’s win at the London Stadium on January 6, seven points separated the sides. If they lose to Wolves, they could drop into the bottom three on goal difference – and Dyche’s position will look vulnerable.
Dyche took charge in chaotic circumstances. Nuno Espirito Santo, who came close to leading Forest to the Champions League last term, was dismissed after only three games this season. His successor, Ange Postecoglou, lasted just 39 days.
The prospect of Nuno taking West Ham to safety at Forest’s expense is certain to be uncomfortable for those in charge on Trentside.