Every word Sean Dyche has spoken about Chris Wood ahead of Nottingham Forest move
Nottingham Forest are closing in on the appointment of Sean Dyche, and that will surely excite striker Chris Wood.
Dyche has ‘verbally agreed’ to become Nottingham Forest manager after Ange Postecoglou was sacked following their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, October 18.
As it stands, Dyche is set to sign a long-term contract at Forest and return to management for the first time since being axed by Everton in January.
With the Tricky Trees currently struggling in 18th position, the 54-year-old is seen as the perfect candidate to spearhead their charge up the Premier League table.
Chris Wood’s record under Sean Dyche
One of Dyche’s first goals will be to get striker Chris Wood back to his best, having watched his form decline in 2025/26.
The New Zealand international hasn’t found the net since scoring a brace against Brentford on the opening day of the season, with the 33-year-old struggling to replicate his incredible 20-goal haul last term.
Wood also wasn’t favoured by Postecoglou, who saw Igor Jesus as a striker better suited to his system. However, with Dyche on the verge of becoming manager, the clinical finisher could have a new lease of life.
Dyche signed Wood for Burnley from Leeds United in August 2017 for a fee of around £15million, and the striker went on to hit double figures in four consecutive Premier League seasons with the Clarets.
| Premier League season | Chris Wood games / goals |
| 2020/21 | 33 games / 12 goals |
| 2019/20 | 32 games / 14 goals |
| 2018/19 | 38 games / 10 goals |
| 2017/18 | 24 games 10 goals |
Sadly, in the 2021/22 campaign, Wood only struck three in 17 appearances before joining Newcastle in January 2022.
Meanwhile, Burnley were relegated to the Championship that year and Dyche was relieved of his duties in April 2022.
What Dyche has said about Wood
Forest fans will hope that Dyche and Wood can restore the connection that brought Burnley success.
Speaking after signing him eight years ago, Dyche said via Sky Sports: “It’s his ability to score different types of goals. I think that’s always an effective weapon. He can score long strikes, headers, he can nick one, bundle one, that’s a good thing for a striker.
“He’s played up there a lot on his own and has done that well as well. I think he adds to the blend of strikers.
In December 2019, Dyche also praised Wood and his former strike partner, Ashley Barnes, who formed an incredible duo.
“I think the main two (Chris) Wood and (Ashley) Barnes, [are getting more recognition] of course, Jay Rodriguez has had his moments, less so but (Matej) Vydra behind that,” he said. “The main two that people are talking about, I think so.
“They are not Harry Kane yet, I’m a big fan of his, everyone knows that. He’s a top player and a top professional.”
When Wood left Turf Moor in January 2022; meanwhile, Dyche had this to say: “It wasn’t a perfect scenario to lose a player who’s done very well for us and for himself as well.
“He’s a good player. He’s been quieter this season but you look at the record for us, you look at what he’s achieved as an individual.”