Oliver Glasner has been appointed as Nottingham Forest head coach, becoming the club’s fifth manager in less than a year. The Austrian joins the City Ground after declining to renew his contract with Crystal Palace, where he secured the club’s first major trophy and European silverware.
Glasner replaces Vítor Pereira, who was informed by email shortly before midnight last Wednesday that his services were no longer required. The Portuguese had steered Forest to Premier League safety after his appointment in February, but the club exercised a mutual break clause to terminate his contract.
Palace pedigree
The 49-year-old departs Selhurst Park after a transformative spell. He guided Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory in 2025, delivering the club’s maiden major honour, before adding the Conference League title in May. Glasner announced four months prior that he would not extend his stay in south London, prompting Forest to secure his services.
“I’m delighted to join Nottingham Forest as head coach,” Glasner said. “From my very first conversations with the owner and the leadership team, it was evident that they have a clear vision for this football club.”
He added: “Nottingham Forest is a club with incredible prestige and history, a two-time European champion with one of the most passionate fanbases in football. Our aim is to build a team that can help take the club to the next level.”
Ambition and upheaval
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis emphasised the shared desire to restore the club to the summit of English and European football. “In our discussions with Oliver, it was clear that we share the same vision, the same ambition and the same relentless desire to succeed,” Marinakis stated.
The Greek shipping magnate highlighted Glasner’s record of “delivering success against the strongest competition” as central to the appointment. Marinakis declared that the club’s goal is “not simply to compete – our ambition is to win, to challenge for major honours.”
Squad reshuffle
Glasner inherits a squad facing significant change. Midfielder Elliot Anderson is set to complete a £116 million transfer to Manchester City, prompting Forest to identify Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall as a potential replacement. However, the club faces competition from other suitors for the Swedish teenager’s signature.
The Austrian’s immediate priority involves meeting players and staff as pre-season commences. He faces the challenge of instilling stability at a club that has cycled through multiple coaching regimes while simultaneously preparing for life without their record departure.