Could Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo win 2024/25 Premier League manager of the year award?
Updated 25/03/2025 at 22:03 GMT
Nottingham Forest have earned widespread plaudits for their performances this season, breaking up the 'big six' and establishing themselves as genuine contenders for a place in the UEFA Champions League. Ally McCoist has lauded Nuno Espirito Santo's side, describing them as a "breath of fresh air" and suggesting the Portuguese could be the manager of the year.
Ward: Arsenal ‘jeopardised' title bid with ‘astronomical failure’ to sign striker
Video credit: TNT Sports
Could Nuno Espirito Santo be named manager of the Premier League season?
The Portuguese's Nottingham Forest side are third in the top flight, five points clear of fourth-place Chelsea with nine games to go.
They have thrilled their fans with a shock spurt up the league this term, and could be set for the extraordinary prize of UEFA Champions league football in 2025/26.
TNT Sports' Ally McCoist, speaking on The Breakdown: Premier League Special, suggested Nuno could be up for the season-end managerial gong.
"What a breath of fresh air," McCoist said. "If they finish third in the league, [Nuno] might be manager of the year.
"I'm fortunate enough to have been there a few times - you know when you go to a place and it's just absolutely on fire, electric, and that's Nottingham right now.
"They're having the season of their life. What a season."
Fellow TNT expert Peter Crouch, meanwhile, highlighted the remarkable turnaround at the City Ground, after Forest finished 17th in the Premier League last season.
"They were almost a laughing stock," he said.
"When the new regime came in they were just buying so many players, and everyone was going 'this will never work, this is ridiculous'.
"I've had the pleasure of being down the training ground, they're all together and they all seem to really get on, the staff are amazing.
"It's easier when you're winning games, but it seems like they've created a really harmonious group there with some really good players."
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown added: "What would you need to be, 50, to remember those good years back in the day?
"There's a feeling of nostalgia when you go there. Mull of Kintyre pumping out. It is a great feeling.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/03/08/4106829-83274228-2560-1440.jpg)
Highlights: Forest edge closer to top-four finish with battling win over Man City
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I call them the Dirty Dozen because all those players were thrown together, quite a lot of them have been at top clubs, even the manager, and it hasn't worked.
"Somehow, six points off the bottom three last season, they are now in the top four. It's remarkable."
'I had Bournemouth going down'
In a close battle for European qualification, Forest are not the only side to have surpassed expectations.
Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth have also earned plenty of admirers and remain just five points behind Chelsea despite a recent slump.
TNT's Rio Ferdinand admitted he underestimated The Cherries, saying: "I had Bournemouth going down. I've been pleasantly surprised.
"We talk about managers, their manager needs to be talked about as having a wonderful season. Their best period in the season was when they had most of their injuries.
"He galvanised that squad and brought them together, and now the players are back and they're fit, he's having problems in terms of form.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/01/18/4085838-82854408-2560-1440.jpg)
Highlights: Kluivert hat-trick helps Bournemouth crush Newcastle
Video credit: TNT Sports
"The Newcastle performance [4-1 win in January] was ridiculous. Not many teams physically run over Newcastle like that."
Bournemouth are next in action against Ipswich Town on Wednesday, April 2, while Forest host Manchester United on Tuesday, April 1 - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Watch the Premier League and UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement