Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 5 March 2026 19:16, UK

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Sean Dyche has spoken publicly for the first time since he was sacked by Nottingham Forest in February.

The 54-year-old was dismissed just hours after his side were held to a goalless draw by Premier League bottom-club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Dyche was only appointed in October, but failed to carry the Tricky Trees away from the relegation zone.

He was tipped to take over Crystal Palace when it looked likely that Oliver Glasner would be sacked, but the Austrian now looks set to see out the season.

Dyche was replaced by Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest manager, with the new boss’s side earning a strong point at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, finally bringing an end to a string of poor results.

Sean Dyche hints at management return

It is clear from Dyche’s first interview since his Nottingham Forest exit that he does not agree with the decision, and it is easy to see why.

The Englishman arrived at a club without a win in 10 games across all competitions, and one that had already gone through both Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.

Dyche’s impact was not immediate, but he led his side to Premier League wins over Leeds United, Liverpool, Wolves, Tottenham, West Ham and Brentford.

The night that he was sacked saw Nottingham Forest batter Wolves, but ultimately fail to take their chances.

“The stats and facts were there, clear as day,” the 54-year-old told The Football Boardroom podcast on Thursday.

“From my record, from when we got there to when we ended, we’d have been 12th in the Premier League. So on factual data and analysis, I can’t understand any of the decisions that were made.”

In the wake of his exit, Dyche has been linked with several managerial jobs, including Leicester City, Burnley and Palace.

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Dyche would not take the West Brom job, and the club have since confirmed that James Morrison will lead them for the remainder of the season.

“If I do more, great, if I don’t do more, I won’t be crying over it,” Dyche said when asked about his potential return.

“‘Yeah but you’re left with this moment or that moment’. I’m not bothered about that. I’ve given my lot, I always do. I’ve got no problem with that.

“So if I choose to step away, it will be my choice. It won’t be because no one will employ me. I can say I’ve had offers already, by the way, so that’s not a problem. Top-level, but the point is you go: ‘Do I need that? Do I want to make a decision?’ Not at the moment.”

Dyche expected to be in running for Palace

Dyche is currently the third favourite to take over at Palace in the summer, with Thomas Frank and Robbie Keane ahead of him.

Glasner will leave Selhurst Park at the end of his contract, with the Eagles set to make a decision on their next manager in the coming months.

Whether Dyche will be in that conversation remains to be seen, but the manager will certainly be back in the Premier League before too long.

Should sackings take place next season at a rate like they have this season, there is very little doubt about that.