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Former Liverpool defender Neco Williams has posted a heartfelt goodbye to Nuno Espirito Santo following his exit from Nottingham Forest.
The ex-Wolves and Tottenham head coach can now add Forest to his list of former clubs after the East Midlands side parted company with Santo on Wednesday.
It’s a hugely controversial decision given the Portuguese manager’s success at the City Ground, where he led Forest back to Europe last season. But a public falling out with owner Evangelos Marinakis and global head of football Edu led to his dismissal and the subsequent appointment of Ange Postecoglou, another former Tottenham coach.
Writing on social media, Williams, who came through the youth ranks at Liverpool and went on to play 33 senior games, said: “Thank you, boss. You gave me the opportunity to grow and learn wearing the shirt.
“Had some amazing memories playing under you & wish you nothing but the best in the future.”
The post was accompanied by an image of Williams and Espirito Santo.
Confirming the news of his sacking at 01:00 BST on Wednesday, Forest said in a statement: “The club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at the City Ground, in particular his role in the 2024/25 season, which will forever be remembered fondly in the history of the club.
“As someone who played a pivotal role in our success last season, he will always hold a special place in our journey.”
Postecoglou’s appointment comes after his mixed spell at Tottenham. Despite leading the club to silverware at the end of last season, the Australian oversaw a disastrous league campaign that ended with the club finishing 17th.
“We are bringing a coach to the club who has a proven and consistent record of winning trophies,” said Marinakis, after Postecoglou signed a two-year deal in Nottingham.
“His experience of coaching teams at the highest level, along with his desire to build something special with us at Forest, makes him a fantastic person to help us on our journey and achieve consistently all our ambitions.”
Postecoglou is unlikely to receive a warm welcome during his first match in charge, which comes at the Emirates on Saturday. In fact, his first four matches are on the road at Swansea City, Burnley, and Real Betis, before a first home game on September 27 against Sunderland.
Postecoglou lost both league matches against Arne Slot last season and was also eliminated in the Carabao Cup semifinals by Liverpool. The Reds won’t face the ex-Celtic boss until late November.
Williams will likely play a part in that fixture. He has featured in every minute for Forest this season and played in 35 league matches last season.
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