Nuno Espirito Santo Signs New Three-Year Contract at Nottingham Forest

Forest Boss Nuno Espirito Santo to Lead Club into Bright New Era After Europa Return

Nottingham Forest have secured the long-term future of their manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, with the Portuguese tactician putting pen to paper on a new three-year deal at the City Ground. The announcement caps off what has been a remarkable turnaround for the club under his stewardship, as Forest prepare to return to European competition for the first time in almost 30 years.

For a team that just one season ago was scrapping for survival, the shift in narrative has been astonishing. Forest not only beat the drop but flourished, finishing seventh in the Premier League, qualifying for the Europa Conference League play-offs, and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1991.

From the Brink to European Dreams

When Nuno arrived in December 2023, Forest were teetering dangerously close to relegation. The team lacked cohesion, had lost confidence, and had just parted ways with fan-favourite Steve Cooper. With minimal time to implement his philosophy, Nuno still managed to steady the ship, guiding Forest to safety on the final day of the 2023–24 season.

That achievement alone might have been enough to buy him goodwill among the fans, but what came next was even more extraordinary. Despite a four-point deduction for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules, Forest soared to unexpected heights. For large parts of the 2024–25 campaign, they looked like genuine top-four contenders, spending several weeks inside the Champions League spots.

Though a slight wobble in the final stretch—just two wins in their last seven—meant they ultimately dropped to seventh, their Europa Conference League berth represents a major success.

“I am delighted to be able to continue our journey at this fantastic football club,” said Nuno, speaking after signing his new deal. “Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans, and everyone at the club, which helped us achieve great things last season.”

FA Cup Run Highlights Season of Revival

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo signs new three-year deal

Forest’s Premier League campaign wasn’t the only highlight. The club’s charge to the FA Cup semi-finals, their first appearance at that stage in over three decades, reignited memories of the club’s storied past.

Their run included memorable wins over the likes of West Ham and Brighton, before eventually bowing out to treble-winners Manchester City in a 2-0 defeat at Wembley.

For a club that had been absent from the top flight for over two decades until 2022, the sense of progress is tangible.

Marinakis Praises “Special” Manager

Nuno Espirito Santo signs new three-year deal to stay at Nottingham Forest | Nottingham Forest

Club owner Evangelos Marinakis was full of praise for his manager, hailing the unity and ambition that Nuno has instilled at the club:

“Nuno has made a great impact and performed very well during his time with us so far. He has demonstrated that he maximises player performance and is an expert at developing players, whilst also embedding our young talent into the first team set-up.”

“We enjoy a strong and solid relationship together and, above all, we share the same dream and ambition of writing a new history for Nottingham Forest—competing in the Premier League and in Europe, and winning trophies for our great club.”

The words are more than just public backing—they reflect a wider belief at Forest that the club is on the cusp of something special.

What’s Behind the Turnaround?

Nuno has earned praise for his tactical flexibility and his ability to bring the best out of players previously written off. Under his guidance, Morgan Gibbs-White became one of the Premier League’s most creative attacking midfielders, Taiwo Awoniyi rediscovered his scoring touch, and younger players like Andrew Omobamidele and Brandon Aguilera were given opportunities to shine.

Off the pitch, the club has invested in better analytics, player development infrastructure, and squad depth. On the pitch, they played with aggression and structure—often switching formations to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, a hallmark of Nuno’s coaching style since his Wolves days.

Another aspect of his leadership that has struck a chord with fans is his visible passion. Whether celebrating late winners with the technical area in uproar, or applauding supporters after hard-fought draws, Nuno quickly became a popular figure on the terraces.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next for Forest and Nuno?

With European football now on the calendar, the next challenge for Nuno will be squad depth and rotation. Balancing the demands of continental and domestic competition is something Forest haven’t had to do since the 90s, and the summer transfer window will be crucial.

Reports suggest the club is targeting experience to complement the youthful energy already in the squad. A new centre-back, a backup striker, and an experienced midfielder are all said to be on the radar.

In terms of expectations, Forest fans now dare to dream. Consolidating another top-eight finish in the Premier League while making a meaningful run in Europe would be considered another step forward. And in Nuno, they believe they have the man to take them there.

Conclusion: Nuno’s Forest Future Looks Bright

When Nuno Espirito Santo took over at Forest in the middle of a relegation battle, few would have predicted he’d be leading the club into Europe less than a year later. Yet here they are: rejuvenated, ambitious, and armed with a manager who’s proven himself at every turn.

As he prepares to lead Forest into their first European campaign since the days of Brian Clough, the club and its fans are united behind him. And with a new three-year deal now signed, sealed, and delivered, Nuno has both the security and the backing to build something lasting in the red half of Nottingham.