Forest Gaffer Dyche’s ‘Man-to-Man’ Inspires Awoniyi’s Resurgence

Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has shed light on a pivotal, yet informal, conversation with striker Taiwo Awoniyi, a chat that appears to have reignited the Nigerian international’s scoring touch in the Premier League.

Awoniyi scored his first Premier League goal of the season in the 2-0 victory over Brentford on Sunday, ended a year-long goal drought that Dyche described as “free” and “very good.”

Speaking to the press, Dyche elaborated on the nature of their discussion: “I had a chat with him – nothing heavy – and reminded him to be free.

He looked free when he came on. He worked very hard and it was a very good finish.” The manager deliberately avoided dwelling on Awoniyi’s past injury woes, stating, “I’ve not gone too deeply with him (about the injury). That’s by the by. I certainly don’t keep reflecting back, I wasn’t here and I know what happened was very serious.”

Instead, Dyche’s approach was one of encouragement and forward-thinking. “It’s just talking to him generally. Just get on with it, come and enjoy yourself. It’s not that easy – professional enjoyment I call it.’

I don’t mean go out there like running around in the playground, you have professional responsibility.”

The Forest boss acknowledged a brief dip in Awoniyi’s form a few weeks prior but noted his impressive recovery. “He had a soft spell a couple of weeks ago but then he’s come out of it. He’s looked sharper and come back to life, let’s say. I had no doubt about putting him on.” This candid insight from Dyche highlights his man-management style and its positive impact on Awoniyi’s return to form, much to the relief of the City Ground faithful.