SEAN DYCHE TO AXE NOTTINGHAM FOREST PLAYER WHO DISOBEYS STRICT CHRISTMAS RULE AFTER FULHAM DEFEAT

A storm could be brewing at Nottingham Forest — and under the watchful eye of Sean Dyche, one player may soon find himself on Santa’s “naughty” list. With the club reeling after a dismal 1–0 loss to Fulham on the eve of Christmas, sources suggest Dyche is ready to “axe” any Forest player caught flouting a newly imposed festive-period code.
🎄 The “Christmas Rule”: Discipline with a Deadline
According to insiders close to the squad, Dyche has warned his players that the upcoming festive break will not be an excuse for slacking. The so-called “Christmas Rule” reportedly demands strict discipline — limited indulgence, zero disruptive behaviour, and a commitment to returning mentally and physically ready for a challenging run of fixtures.
Emulating the tough love recently shown by Pep Guardiola at a rival club, the rule seems designed to prevent the kind of complacency and weight gain that sometimes follow seasonal celebrations. For Dyche, who took over a precarious Forest side earlier this season, such measures may be non-negotiable.
Fulham Loss: The Final Straw
The backdrop to this warning couldn’t be worse. Forest’s trip to Craven Cottage ended in another frustrating defeat, courtesy of a late first-half penalty by Raúl Jiménez — his 11th successful Premier League penalty. �
Premier League +2
Dyche was blunt in his post-match assessment: Forest lacked any attacking bite, especially in the second half, and “the killer instinct” was missing. He described his players’ performance as “wishy-washy” and admitted the team “didn’t ask enough questions” in danger moments. �
Express & Star +2
With the club dangerously hovering just above relegation, Dyche appears unwilling to tolerate any off-field distractions — especially during Christmas, a period often associated with relaxation and indulgence.
Who Is at Risk — And Why Fans Are Buzzing
Though no name has yet been officially revealed, rumours are circulating that Dyche has already warned a handful of discontent players. Some sources claim that those who have recently shown signs of poor attitude, missed training sessions, or appeared unfit might be walking a tightrope.
Fans are reacting with a mix of excitement and apprehension. On one hand, many see it as a sign Dyche is serious about restoring discipline — which could be just what Forest needs heading into a grueling post-Christmas schedule. On the other hand, if Dyche does banish a player from the squad, critics worry the club’s thin roster might be further stretched, compromising results.
🚨 One fan on Reddit captured the prevailing mood:
“Forest are going down!” �
Reddit
Surely hyperbole — but a chilling reminder that for many supporters, this season could go either way.
Dyche’s Reputation: Toughness, or Trouble?
This isn’t the first time Dyche has been linked with stern, old-school managerial discipline. Known for his no-nonsense approach, the former manager of Burnley now has a squad in serious need of structure after several tumultuous years at Forest.
If Dyche follows through and punishes a player — especially during such a critical juncture — it might send a strong message: no luxury, no excuses, no exceptions. For a club flirting with relegation, that could be a calculated gamble.
What’s Next: A Club in Crisis or a Squad Reborn?
All eyes will now be on which player (or players) get the boot — and how the squad responds over the coming days. Forest’s festive fixture list is looming, and each match could define the rest of their season.
Will the “Christmas Rule” galvanize the team and instil a renewed sense of urgency?
Or will punishing a player — potentially a key one — destabilize a fragile squad on the brink?
One thing is certain: under Dyche’s iron-fisted regime, this Christmas won’t be jolly for anyone breaking the rules.
If you thought the Christmas period was for turkey and tinsel, think again — at Nottingham Forest, it’s shaping up to be a survival test.