Dyche Reveals Chat That Freed Awoniyi Before Brentford Goal

Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has credited a simple, personal conversation with Taiwo Awoniyi for helping the striker rediscover his sharpness and end his Premier League goal drought.

Speaking to Forest TV after Awoniyi’s decisive strike in the 2-0 win over Brentford, Dyche explained: ‘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.’

Dyche stressed that he did not dwell on Awoniyi’s past injury struggles, saying: ‘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, the Forest boss focused on encouraging the Nigerian forward to enjoy his football responsibly.

‘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.’

Dyche added that Awoniyi had shown signs of improvement in recent weeks: ‘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.’