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“This badge is more significant than every manager,” the new Forest boss stated at his introduction as Nottingham Forest’s manager, sporting a training kit with his initials. Subsequently, amended his statement. “Well, there was a single manager who was probably as big as the badge – we all know who that was.”} Following that, an impression of the legendary manager, a crack at that unique accent. Lad, well done,’” he recalled, reliving his time as a trainee at the City Ground, the days he spent strolling down the Trent, with Del Boy, whizzing past him and his manager’s voice always within earshot.

Dyche tells a story of how, as a youth player, he and a couple of mates tended the manager's yard at his residence in the area. “We were on £28.50 a week and he gave you a tenner to do his garden. So we really thought: ‘This is pretty good.’ He’d prepare food for you and ensure you were well looked after. It was quite enjoyable, not too much yard work.”

In his case, this moment has been a long time in the making. He resides in the city and has a fondness for the team. In recent years, he and his long-term assistant his deputy, who was a member of the Nottingham Forest squad the last time they were in European competition, in the mid-90s, have sometimes popped into the West Bridgford cafe where club icons such as Frank Clark, another stalwart and a famous name meet every Thursday to discuss old and new tales. He will have to give it a miss this time to get ready for the visit of the Portuguese side, unbeaten this season, in the Europa League on this week.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the club legends,” said the manager, who replaced the previous coach to become the team's latest head coach of the season. “They will give me a bit of ear-holing if I fail to deliver, so I better secure some matches for them. Those guys are important to me. A great deal of supporters appreciate the legacy of this club. I have personal ties and now I’ve got a opportunity to reshape my own story, I guess, as manager.”

Dyche oversaw Forest practice for the first time on Tuesday, a short while after his predecessor watched a three-nil at home defeat by Chelsea that left the club in the Premier League drop zone. the club captain, who came aged eight, acknowledged these are early days but he and his staff have alleviated some of the negativity.

Dyche’s backroom team features one more Forest hero in a former player, as well as Billy Mercer and Tony Loughlan, both of whom played for the club. In my view a huge asset of this organization is fostering the connection between the fans, squad and manager and, frankly, the recent period we lacked a good feeling around here,” Yates stated. Dyche and his staff have introduced that sense of vitality and energy.”

Dyche made clear he does not “know the club like the inside out” given his most recent encounter at the club has been as an opposition boss, but he believes he has a broader grasp of the environment and demands. The house rules have been set. I allowed the players wear light-colored footwear, for goodness sake,” the manager said. I expect my ex-players caning me on messaging. But they’re forbidden to wear snoods or hats … I had to make a compromise somewhere.”

Forest have been defeated in their past four matches and failed to secure a victory since the opening day. Dyche said the owner, the Greek businessman, understood the significance of stabilising the situation. Dyche encountered the wealthy individual in the Europa League with his former club, when his side lost in a playoff against the Greek side in recent years. After the first leg Dyche voiced frustration at Olympiakos dignitaries, including the owner, approaching the officials at the break in the stadium. We laughed about it,” Dyche said.

Part of his attraction is his reputation for constructing sides with solid bases, relevant for a side without a shutout in 20 matches. “I’ve been put in many boxes, I’m not concerned,” he stated. I don't avoid behind what’s effective. It’s no point of pride to me. Five years ago people were going: ‘Why do you depend on dead balls?’ Now they’re in vogue. Skinny jeans, wide-leg pants, skinny jeans, flared jeans … my child hammers me for whatever jeans I wear. Apparently on online platforms even I got some stick for my trainers arriving at practice [on Tuesday] … couldn’t believe that. Tom Ford [trainers] but, regardless, don’t like to mention it.”

The manager is pleased that his formative years were at Forest but believes that should not mean he or his staff are judged in a special way. No easy path with the fans, but we are committed, that’s one thing I believe can ever be doubted,” he remarked. My only aspiration was wearing the shirt, but I didn't manage to do it. Stoney and Ian Woan succeeded, Billy played as a loan keeper, Tony featured and scored a strike. I was the only one who failed to and they constantly tell me of that.

“In my case to have that part of it is a significant matter for me individually. But it doesn’t give me a divine right, believe me. The supporters want me to win. If I’m not winning, the crowd are going to come at me because how fans work and I’ve got no issue with that because it's the truth. I was here as a youth and never wore the shirt, the emblem. Now, now, I’m here with it on me.”