Opinion: Sean Dyche had 'top' ace in the form of his life and he could get him firing again at Nottingham Forest

Sean Dyche’s imminent arrival at Nottingham Forest could be good news for one of their most crucial players.

TBR Football reported that Forest are close to finalising a deal with Dyche after talks over the weekend.

Former Everton boss Dyche became the frontrunner for the job after Ange Postecoglou was sacked just minutes after the 3-0 defeat against Chelsea at the City Ground on Saturday.

He will be tasked with steering his new side away from the relegation zone and back into the top half, but he could also give a much-needed and instant boost to a misfiring ace.

Sean Dyche has worked with Chris Wood before

Chris Wood may have scored twice in the Premier League this season, but he has so far failed to reach the heady heights of the previous campaign.

The 34-year-old found the net 20 times under Nuno Espirito Santo last term, but a dip in performances and changes in the dugout have prevented him from finding any consistency.

Sean Dyche, however, knows exactly what is needed to get the best out of him. After all, he had made Wood Burnley’s record signing when he brought him in from Leeds United for £15million in 2017.

Wood scored 53 times in total under Dyche at Turf Moor and was arguably in the form of his career, and a reunion between the duo could well see him flourish again at Forest.

Speaking before his Everton side played Forest in December 2024, Dyche said: “I have been impressed by what they’ve been doing – very organised, working to plan the counter and break and defend well.

“They’ve done that very well. They’ve brought to life Woody, who I know well, and the goals he’s been scoring, and they’ve turned into a very strong outfit.

“He’s got a different format they’re working to there which seems to be to his liking. He’s got wide players, they’ve got a strength behind them, and they get the ball up to him quickly.”

In December 2019, Dyche also heaped praise on Wood and his former strike partner Ashley Barnes.

“I think the main two, Wood and Barnes, [are getting more recognition] of course, Jay Rodriguez has had his moments, less so, but (Matej) Vydra behind that,” said Dyche. “The main two that people are talking about, I think so.

“They are not Harry Kane yet. I’m a big fan of his, everyone knows that. He’s a top player and a top professional.”

Chris Wood will shine again under Sean Dyche

Wood went on to become Burnley’s record scorer in the Premier League with 49 goals, and Dyche knew exactly how to play to his strengths. It’s certainly not rocket science.

As the prospective new Nottingham Forest boss correctly said, the frontman is at his devastating best when he is given the right kind of service from out wide and the ball to his feet in dangerous areas.

Forest have not utilised him properly this season, and that has prevented him from finding a rhythm. Consequently, when he has been given chances, he has snatched too often at them.

Dyche will introduce a back-to-basics approach at the City Ground in his bid to get them out of the bottom three, and Wood has already proven he is the ideal striker in this no-frills system.

There is a reason West Ham want to sign him, but Forest must trust Dyche to get him back to his best.