Morgan Gibbs-White secured his first goal of the season for Nottingham Forest.
Sean Dyche observed from the touchline, visibly relishing the moment.
As Nottingham Forest supporters passionately sang Mull of Kintyre, their newly appointed manager surveyed the City Ground, absorbing the atmosphere.
Paul McCartney’s anthem has resonated with Nottingham Forest since its release in 1977, becoming synonymous with the club’s First Division title triumph under Brian Clough in 1978.
Decades later, the club’s third managerial appointment of the season will undoubtedly aspire to hear it echoed frequently, following his inaugural victory against Porto.
Having departed Forest as a young professional in 1987 to join Chesterfield, Dyche clearly revelled in the electric, Europa League atmosphere.
“I’d waited a long time for that moment. As a young person here in ’87 all I wanted to do was wear the shirt,” he stated.
“To come back as the manager is super pleasing and to stand there and absorb it, I’ve learnt in life sometimes you have to slow your thinking down and take it in.
“So many big moments in life have been so nerve-wracking they just go and suddenly they are finished. So I thought ‘take it in and put it in the memory.'”
Beyond the penalty conversions from Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus, securing Forest’s first victory since their Premier League season opener, what other aspects defined Dyche’s debut in charge?
The absence of the injured Chris Wood, sidelined with a knee injury, deprived the manager of a key attacking outlet.
Wood previously scored 53 goals under Dyche’s management at Burnley and, despite a relatively quiet season with just three goals, remains a significant threat for Forest.
Jesus, replacing Taiwo Awoniyi, operated in a deeper role, unsettling the Porto defense and ultimately converting a penalty to secure his third Europa League goal of the campaign.
Dyche opted for a back four, a formation that appeared to suit centre-backs Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, especially with Elliot Anderson and Douglas Luiz providing cover in midfield.
Anderson’s characteristic energy and dynamism allowed Gibbs-White greater attacking freedom, supported by Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dan Ndoye on the flanks.
The wide players were frequently involved, albeit with room for improvement in their final delivery.
Notable summer acquisitions, totaling around £120m, including James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Dilane Bakwa, and Arnaud Kalimuendo, were initially omitted from the squad on Saturday, with Dyche recalling McAtee and Kalimuendo to the bench.
Hutchinson, Forest’s record £37.5m signing, was excluded from the European squad, while Bakwa is currently injured.
Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest may revert to a more familiar, compact, counter-attacking, and pragmatic approach, potentially facilitating a quicker transition compared to implementing Ange Postecoglou’s desired high-press, high-tempo style.
The team displayed greater fight, spirit, and determination than under Postecoglou’s tenure, leaving the Australian perhaps questioning where this resolve had been during his time in charge.
The result culminated in Forest’s first clean sheet in 21 matches, dating back to their 1-0 victory over Manchester United in April.
“I can finally breathe tonight,” Gibbs-White told TNT Sports. “It has been a difficult couple of months with all the changes and the bad performances, so it was good to get our first win in eight or nine games.
“We are delighted to get the three points and I want to thank the fans for sticking by us.
“The gaffer said when he came in that last season we had a real identity, and he wants to build on top of that. I am just delighted that the boys got the three points and the win.
“You can feel the morale. It feels a lot more positive and it needs to stay like that. That’s credit to the manager. He has instilled that in us, and we have to keep up that mentality.”
Ian Woan and Steve Stone previously collaborated with Sean Dyche at Burnley and Everton.
During the previous European fixture at the City Ground, Forest fans chanted “sacked in the morning” at Postecoglou, merely five games into his tenure.
The defeat to Midtjylland now appears to mark the beginning of the end for the former Tottenham manager, as fans reacted swiftly and rejected his approach.
Supporters streamed out of the stadium after Reece James’ goal extended Chelsea’s lead to 3-0 on Saturday, preceding Postecoglou’s dismissal, with owner Evangelos Marinkas reportedly departing the stands after just an hour, having already made his decision.
Resignation replaced anger, but on Thursday that energy was channeled into passionate support.
Pre-game, Dyche struck a chord with supporters by referencing shared history, mentioning Brian Clough’s dog Del Boy from almost 40 years ago.
His backroom staff also possess strong ties to the club, including coaches Ian Woan and Steve Stone, who were part of the Forest team that last secured a European victory, a 1-0 win over Lyon in 1995.
Supporters responded with fervent support for the ex-Burnley boss, cheering on the team even after Jan Bednarek’s apparent equalizer was disallowed for offside.
Fireworks erupted outside the City Ground following the final whistle, as fans sang ‘Forest are back’, signaling an early – and much-needed – connection with Dyche.
“When you are on the side you don’t hear every word, you hear a noise and you know if it’s a positive noise or a negative noise,” said Dyche.
“I’m not here to judge or question anything, just deliver what I can to the job. It’s nice when they support you from the off, winning helps.
“These fans are pretty fair, win, lose or draw if they see a team out there wearing the shirt with pride and I think they’ll accept that. To get it off with a good performance and a win is very pleasing for them. If they can accept me and my staff and what’s going on that’s got to be a bonus.
“Hopefully it will fast track the feeling around the ground.”
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