Paul Merson is ‘majorly worried’ about Nottingham Forest after ‘terrible’ Evangelos Marinakis decision
Paul Merson was stunned by Nottingham Forest’s decision to sack Sean Dyche after Wednesday’s goalless draw with Wolves.
Dyche was dismissed just hours after the final whistle at the City Ground, with decision-makers clearly not confident in his ability to keep them up.
Nottingham Forest are three points clear of the relegation zone, and have not won any of their last three Premier League fixtures.
Dyche can feel unlucky to have been dismissed after Wednesday’s game, however, considering the sheer amount of chances his side created.
The home side took an extraordinary 35 shots at Jose Sa’s goal, but missed chance after chance in the final third.
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Paul Merson appalled by Sean Dyche decision
Form has undoubtedly been hard to come by in recent weeks for Nottingham Forest, but many would call the decision to dismiss Dyche harsh.
The former Everton boss has guided his side to wins over West Ham and Brentford since the turn of the year, and saw through draws against Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
Yet decision-makers at the City Ground have come to a conclusion based on the circumstances that Nottingham Forest find themselves in.
| Sean Dyche | Nottingham Forest |
| Wins | 10 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Losses | 10 |
| Scored | 37 |
| Conceded | 32 |
West Ham have started to produce results of late, and could leapfrog the Tricky Trees in the coming weeks if the trend continues.
Former Wolves manager Vitor Pereira is the man who has been chosen to see out the rest of the season, with the Portuguese boss having done a similar job last season.
The 57-year-old’s appointment is undoubtedly a risk, however, considering the shocking form that saw him sacked at Molineux earlier this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Saturday, Merson expressed his shock at the decision to dismiss Dyche.
“I don’t know anybody who wouldn’t take Sean Dyche in a relegation battle, and that’s what they’re in,” the former Arsenal midfielder said.
“It’s a terrible decision in my opinion,” Merson added. “I weren’t really worried about Nottingham Forest because of the Sean Dyche situation.
“Now I’m majorly, majorly worried about Nottingham Forest.”
Nottingham Forest to make history
When Pereira’s appointment is announced, Nottingham Forest will have made history by becoming the first Premier League club to ever have had four permanent managers in one season.
Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou are the other two managers to have faced the wrath of Evangelos Marinakis this season.
The Nottingham Forest owner is not one to rest on his laurels when it comes to managerial decisions, but his latest call will be key.
Should Dyche’s sacking see the City Ground sent to the Championship next season, there will be hell to pay for Marinakis.