Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of Dylan Malicheff as head coach of their B Team at the Nigel Doughty Academy. The 34-year-old arrives from Belgian side Anderlecht, where he most recently led the club’s Under-18s.
Background and context
Malicheff succeeds Warren Joyce, who departed the academy earlier this summer after five years with Forest in various youth roles, including Under-18s and B Team manager. The club has emphasised that the appointment followed a comprehensive recruitment process aimed at finding a coach with the right experience and development-focused outlook.
Coach profile and career to date
Malicheff began his coaching career in Belgium with KV Mechelen, initially as a youth coach and later progressing to assistant head coach of the Under-21s by the age of 29. His CV also includes a spell in the Netherlands as assistant head coach at Helmond Sport, experience of senior football, and periods at Club Brugge and Anderlecht.
"I’m really looking forward to working in an environment where the staff operates at the highest level every day, with a clear focus on preparing players for their individual development and the demands of first-team football,"
In his first public comments, Malicheff said he welcomed the challenge and intends to help accelerate the progression of young players towards the senior squad.
"Through a detailed recruitment process, Dylan shone through with a desire to strive for the highest standards across our daily working e"
Head of Academy Chris McGuane underlined those priorities, describing Malicheff as having an "extensive coaching background" and saying he will play a key role in converting academy players into first-team prospects.
What this means for the academy and fans
The appointment is intended to reinforce Nottingham Forest’s pathway from youth teams into senior football. The B Team role sits at the critical juncture between academy age groups and the first team, responsible for preparing players physically, technically and mentally for senior professional demands.
- Age of appointee: 34
- Previous post: Anderlecht Under-18s head coach
- Key remit: Develop players ready to step up to first-team football
Supporters and local observers will be watching how Malicheff adapts to the club’s working environment and integrates with existing academy staff, as well as how quickly those promoted through his coaching see opportunities in the senior squad.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Club | Nottingham Forest |
| Role | B Team head coach (Nigel Doughty Academy) |
| Incoming from | Anderlecht (Under-18s) |
The move comes amid continued focus at Forest on strengthening coaching structures and youth development. For local supporters, the catchment of talent emerging from the academy remains a central part of the club’s longer-term strategy.
Officials have not published specific details of the recruitment timeline beyond confirming that a thorough process was undertaken to identify the successful candidate.
