Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of Oliver Glasner as their new head coach, with the Austrian declaring his ambition to take the club “to the next level”.
Glasner, 51, becomes Forest’s fifth head coach in less than a year, replacing Vitor Pereira who was sacked last week. The former Crystal Palace manager arrives at the City Ground with a glittering recent CV, having led the Eagles to their first major trophy with the FA Cup in 2025 and then added the UEFA Conference League title in May.
A new era at the City Ground
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis expressed his delight at securing Glasner’s services.
“Oliver is a winner,” Marinakis said. “It was clear that we share the same vision, the same ambition and the same relentless desire to succeed.”
Glasner, who left Palace at the end of last season after opting not to renew his contract, had been targeted by the club earlier this summer. His appointment marks a fresh chapter for the two-time European Cup winners, who have struggled for consistency in the Premier League.
Glasner’s winning pedigree
The Austrian tactician built a formidable reputation at Selhurst Park, transforming Palace into a dynamic, high-pressing side that captured the imagination of neutrals. The FA Cup triumph in 2025 was the club’s first major honour, and the Conference League victory further underlined Glasner’s ability to deliver silverware.
He now faces the challenge of stabilising a Forest side that have churned through managers since their return to the top flight. Nuno Espírito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche and Vitor Pereira have all taken charge since the start of last season, with only Dyche lasting more than a few months.
The managerial carousel
Forest’s hiring and firing has become a feature of their recent existence. Pereira’s exit came just two minutes before an exit clause in his contract was due to expire, highlighting the ruthless environment Glasner steps into. However, the new head coach is undaunted.
“I see huge potential here,” Glasner said. “The club has passionate fans, a rich history, and a squad that can achieve great things. I want to take them to the next level.”
Quick facts: Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace
Tenure: 2024-2026
Honours: FA Cup (2025), UEFA Conference League (2026)
Record: 64 wins from 120 games across all competitions
Previous clubs managed: Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, Crystal Palace
Key Takeaways
- Oliver Glasner is Forest’s fifth head coach in under 12 months, reflecting the club’s volatile recent strategy.
- He joins after a trophy-laden spell at Crystal Palace, where he delivered two major honours in just over two seasons.
- Owner Evangelos Marinakis has backed the Austrian to instil a winning mentality and drive the club forward.
- Glasner will need to quickly impose his tactical philosophy and unite a squad that has struggled for stability.
- The appointment signals Forest’s ambition to move beyond relegation battles and push for the top half of the Premier League table.