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JUST IN: VITOR PEREIRA ISSUES SHOCK STATEMENT AFTER NOTTINGHAM FOREST CONFIRMS HIS TIME IS OVER AS CLUB MANAGER
Nottingham Forest have made another dramatic managerial change after confirming that Vitor Pereira has left his position as head coach just months after arriving at the City Ground. The decision has stunned many supporters, especially after the Portuguese coach guided the club away from relegation danger and helped them reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals during a turbulent campaign.
Reports indicate that Forest exercised a contractual break clause to end Pereira’s spell before preparations for the new season could fully begin.
Pereira only took charge in February after replacing Sean Dyche, becoming Nottingham Forest’s fourth permanent manager of the season. Despite inheriting a difficult situation, he steadied the club, secured Premier League survival with a 16th-place finish and restored optimism among many supporters. Club owner Evangelos Marinakis has nevertheless decided to move in a different direction, with Oliver Glasner widely expected to take over ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The timing of the decision has generated even more controversy. Multiple reports claim Pereira was informed of his dismissal via email just minutes before a contractual termination clause expired, catching the Portuguese coach completely by surprise after he had already begun planning pre-season training, transfers and his backroom staff for the upcoming season.
Breaking his silence following the announcement, Pereira issued an emotional statement thanking everyone connected with the football club while admitting his journey had unexpectedly come to an end.
He said:
“Today my time as Nottingham Forest head coach comes to an end even though the decision coming as a complete surprise to me and without any warning.. I leave with my head held high because every single member of this group gave everything for the badge. I want to thank the players, the staff and especially the supporters, who stood behind us during difficult moments. Football can be unpredictable, but I leave proud of what we achieved together. I wish Nottingham Forest nothing but success in the future.”
His message quickly spread across social media, with thousands of supporters responding to what many described as a classy farewell from a manager who deserved more time.
Fans were quick to share their opinions online.
@ForestFaithful: “He deserved another season after keeping us up. This feels incredibly harsh.”
@TrickyTrees1898: “Thank you, Vitor. You restored belief when everything looked lost.”
@RedSideSteve: “I’m shocked. I honestly thought he had earned the chance to build his own squad.”
@NFFC_Josh: “No matter who comes in next, Pereira leaves with my respect.”
@PremierFootyHub: “One of the most surprising managerial decisions of the summer.”
Supporters on football forums also questioned the manner of Pereira’s departure, with many describing the reported email dismissal as disrespectful and believing the Portuguese coach deserved a more personal farewell after stabilising the club. Others, however, argued that Nottingham Forest’s ownership has shown throughout recent seasons that they are willing to make bold decisions whenever they believe change is necessary.
Attention now turns to Glasner, who is expected to inherit a squad capable of competing comfortably in the Premier League while also pushing for European qualification. The Austrian arrives with an impressive reputation following his previous success in England, and Forest’s hierarchy clearly believe he is the right man to lead the next phase of the club’s ambitious project.
For Pereira, the departure is another unexpected chapter in a coaching career that has taken him across several countries. Although his stay at the City Ground proved short, many Forest supporters will remember the calm leadership he brought during one of the club’s most unstable periods. His ability to organise the team, improve performances and secure Premier League survival earned widespread praise, making his exit all the more surprising.
Whether Nottingham Forest’s gamble pays off will only become clear once the new season begins. For now, however, Pereira’s farewell statement has become the lasting image of a manager leaving with dignity despite an abrupt ending. His words reflected gratitude rather than bitterness, and many fans believe that, regardless of how his time ended, he departs having strengthened both the squad and the spirit of the club.
As Forest prepare for yet another fresh start under new leadership, supporters will be watching closely to see whether the decision to part ways with Pereira proves to be a masterstroke or one the club eventually comes to regret.
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