Vitor Pereira is SACKED as Nottingham Forest head coach – less than five months after taking over

Nottingham Forest are on the search of a fifth different head coach in less than a year after sacking Vitor Pereira. The club had a break clause they could activate in June in Pereira’s contract, which they did late on Tuesday.

Pereira, 57, only joined the club in February, succeeding the sacked Sean Dyche. Forest had started the 2025-26 season with Nuno Espirito Santo in charge before Ange Postecoglou, Dyche and then Pereira took over.

The Portuguese’s dismissal is his second by a Premier League club this season after being sacked by Wolves in November.

Oliver Glasner, who left Crystal Palace at the end of the season, is the leading candidate to succeed Pereira.

On sacking Pereira, Forest said in a statement: ‘We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Vitor and his team for their hard work and commitment throughout their time at the club.

‘Everyone at Nottingham Forest is grateful for their considerable efforts and for the relationships they forged with our players, staff and supporters.

‘We thank them all for their service and wish them every success in the next stage of their careers.’

Vitor Pereira ‘disappointed and saddened’ by Nottingham Forest sacking

Pereira was seemingly blind-sided by the decision and had been preparing for the Reds’ pre-season preparations. In a statement to BBC Sport, he said: ‘Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.

‘Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.

‘Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever.

‘Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness. Watching them develop, fight for one another and represent this club with passion has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

‘I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment – only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories.

‘Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.

‘This is a special club, and I sincerely hope it continues to grow and achieve great things.’