Oliver Glasner is heading to Nottingham Forest. The Austrian manager, who transformed Crystal Palace from relegation fodder into genuine trophy winners, is expected to be confirmed as the new head coach at the City Ground following the dismissal of Vítor Pereira.

From Selhurst to the City Ground

Glasner arrived at Crystal Palace in February 2024 with the club in a difficult position. Under his leadership, Palace won the FA Cup, the Community Shield, and the UEFA Conference League — three trophies in a little over two years at a club that had previously waited the better part of six decades for its first major honor.

Glasner announced in mid-January 2026 that he would not be extending his contract with Palace, following ongoing discussions with chairman Steve Parish. The two sides did not reach an agreement, and Glasner walked away from a club he had arguably left in far better shape than he found it.

Why Forest, and why now

Nottingham Forest’s decision to part ways with Vítor Pereira opened the door. Glasner knows Palace’s personnel, their pressing triggers, their defensive shape, and their set-piece routines — he helped design a significant portion of it. From a tactical standpoint, the first Forest versus Palace fixture under his management will be one of the more intriguing matchups on the calendar.

Forest and Palace met in a competitive 1-1 draw in early 2026, a result that illustrated the relatively even footing the two clubs occupy in the current Premier League landscape.

What this means for both clubs

Glasner has now managed in the Conference League and understands what it demands from a squad in terms of rotation and fixture congestion. The Community Shield and Conference League wins also gave Palace access to continental football and increased revenue streams that will shape the club’s next chapter.

For Crystal Palace, replacing a manager who delivered three trophies in roughly two years is not a straightforward task. Whoever Palace appoint will be measured against that standard from day one.