"From Untied Laces to Tightened Tactics: Why I Trust Sean Dyche to Strengthen the Team"
Published on November 21, 2025 at 11:28 PM
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Table of Contents
- Des Walker's Legacy
- Sean Dyche's Appointment
- Walker's Reflections on Dyche
- Dyche's Approach to Management
- Future Aspirations for Nottingham Forest
“YOU’LL never beat Des Walker,” the Nottingham Forest supporters would joyfully chant — a sentiment well understood by Sean Dyche.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, whenever a rival striker lost possession to the agile London-born centre-back, 30,000 fans would revel in that chant.
Sean Dyche took over at Nottingham Forest a month agoCredit: AFP
Dyche is aiming to turn around Forest’s fortunes after a challenging period under Ange PostecoglouCredit: Getty
Their tribute to Walker, a City Ground legend, spanned 12 seasons over two periods.
Even now, as he nears his 60th birthday, this adopted son of Nottingham remains fondly remembered by the supporters.
Dyche, 54, would have heard that chant numerous times back in the day, as he began his career at Forest as an apprentice defender nearly 40 years before becoming the club’s manager.
However, like many visiting forwards, he found his way blocked by Walker and never made a first-team appearance by the River Trent before moving to Chesterfield in 1990.
There was no getting past the player, a star of the Italia 90 World Cup and one of the finest talents in Europe.
At times, Dyche, following instructions from manager Brian Clough, had to unlace Walker’s BOOTS as a mark of respect.
The eccentric coach Clough would occasionally say in the dressing room: “Hey, young Ginger, go and take Des’ boots off. . .he’s been carrying us all season! Well done, Dessie! Young Ginger will take your boots off for you.”
Walker, who impressively maintains the same weight of 11st 10lb as when he played professionally, told SunSport: “I can recall, obviously being a young lad.
“He’d come up with Ian Woan and Steve Stone at Forest. Always gave 100 percent, honest as the day is long.
“He didn’t possess the most natural talent, but he had the determination to persevere and make a career for himself.
“I’m proud of him as a footballer because he continued in the game and built a career.
“It’s easy to feel disheartened when you don’t break into the Forest first team. The challenge was that there were five or six England internationals in the lineup.
“It’s not simple for a young player to make the team, but he didn’t lose hope.
“He went out and carved a career for himself, then transitioned into management. Sean manages with honesty and respect for his players, creating a team spirit rather than focusing on individuals.”
On the training-ground boot tradition, Walker remarked: “I remember (Clough) doing that a few times. I don’t specifically recall just Sean Dyche, as it was any young players around.
“Clough had a way of grounding people or uplifting them.
“He’d bring them into the dressing room, let them experience it . . . ‘this is where you want to be, come and sit on the bench with me’.
“He’d involve youngsters for the experience because he believed that one day they would be there.”
Walker, who earned 59 caps for England, was skeptical about Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ decision to dismiss the manager in early September and replace him with Australian Ange Postecoglou.
His concerns were justified when Ange’s tumultuous tenure lasted only 39 days.
Sean manages with honesty and respect for his players.
Des Walker on Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche
Kettering-born Dyche, a protégé of Clough, brings stability, having previously navigated through financial challenges.
Dyche, whose team faces the champions at Anfield today, has overseen two wins, two draws, and one loss since taking charge, with the struggling Midlands club currently in 19th place.
Walker, now a prominent motivational speaker in the UK , stated: “It’s always encouraging to see an Englishman in the English league. I believe he’ll succeed. In football, you start by securing clean sheets. Forest under Ange were conceding goals frequently.
“With Dyche’s arrival, I’m confident he will solidify the defense and begin
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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