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The emblem is bigger than every manager,” the new Forest boss stated at his introduction as Nottingham Forest’s manager, sporting a training kit with his monogram. He then, amended his statement. Actually, there was a single manager who was likely as big as the badge – we all know who that was.”} Following that, an imitation of the legendary manager, a crack at that distinctive accent. “‘Young ginger, well done,’” he recalled, reminiscing about his three years 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 invariably within hearing range.

The coach shares a anecdote of how, as a youngster, he and a couple of mates looked after Clough’s garden at his home in the area. Our weekly wage was minimal and he paid you a ten pounds to do his lawn. So we actually thought: ‘This is decent.’ He’d prepare food for you and make sure you were cared for. It was rather enjoyable, not too much yard work.”

In his case, the appointment has been a long time in the planning. He lives in the area and has a fondness for the club. In recent years, he and his long-term coach Ian Woan, who was part of the Nottingham Forest side the previous occasion they were in European competition, in the mid-90s, have occasionally visited the West Bridgford coffee shop where club icons such as a former player, Colin Barrett and Garry Birtles meet every week to discuss old and new tales. He will have to give it a miss this time to get ready for the arrival of Porto, undefeated this season, in the European tournament on this week.

I can't wait to meeting the miracle men,” remarked Dyche, who replaced Ange Postecoglou to become Forest’s third head coach of the term. “They will give me a bit of ear-holing if I fail to deliver, so I must win some games for them. Those fellows are important to me. A great deal of supporters recognise the history of this institution. I’ve got my own and now I’ve got a chance to reinvent my personal history, I guess, as manager.”

The new boss oversaw the team training for the first time on this week, three days after Postecoglou watched a three-nil home loss by Chelsea that left the club in the Premier League drop zone. Ryan Yates, who came aged eight, acknowledged these are just the start but he and his staff have alleviated some of the negativity.

His staff includes another Forest hero in Steve Stone, as well as a coach and Tony Loughlan, both of whom played for the team. In my view a massive strength of this organization is getting the bond between the fans, players and manager and, frankly, the recent period we lacked a positive atmosphere around here,” Yates said. Dyche and his assistants have introduced that sense of vitality and enthusiasm.”

He made clear he doesn't understand the team like the back of my hand” given his latest encounter at the club has been as an rival manager, but he believes he has a broader understanding of the environment and demands. The guidelines have been set. I allowed the players wear white socks, for goodness sake,” the manager said. “I’ll have my former teammates criticizing me on WhatsApp. But they’re forbidden to wear neck warmers or hats … I had to make a compromise somewhere.”

The team have been defeated in their past four fixtures and failed to secure a victory since the start of the season. The coach said the proprietor, the Greek businessman, recognised the importance of stabilising the situation. Dyche faced the wealthy individual in the European competition with his former club, when his side were beaten in a playoff against the Greek side in 2018. After the first leg he voiced anger at Olympiakos dignitaries, including Marinakis, confronting the officials at the break in the stadium. We laughed about it,” he said.

Part of Dyche’s attraction is his reputation for building sides with solid bases, relevant for a team without a shutout in 20 matches. “I’ve been put in many boxes, I’m not concerned,” he said. “I’ve never tried to hide behind what’s successful. It’s no point of pride to me. Five years ago people were going: ‘Why do you depend on dead balls?’ Now they’re popular. Tight trousers, flared jeans, skinny jeans, flared jeans … my daughter hammers me for whatever trousers I wear. It seems on online platforms even I got some stick for my trainers walking into practice [on Tuesday] … couldn’t believe that. Tom Ford [trainers] but, anyway, prefer not to bring it up it.”

The manager is proud that his early career were at the club but thinks that should not mean he or his staff are judged differently. No easy path with the fans, but we are committed, that’s one thing I don’t think can ever be doubted,” he said. “All I dreamt of was wearing the shirt, but I didn't manage to achieve it. Steve Stone and Ian Woan did, Billy Mercer played as a loan keeper, Tony wore it and netted a strike. I was the sole person who failed to and they keep reminding me of that.

“For me to have that part of it is a significant matter for me personally. But it doesn't grant me a special privilege, believe me. The supporters expect me to succeed. If I’m failing, the crowd are going to criticize me because that’s the way supporters work and I’ve got no problem with that because that’s the reality. I was here as a youth and never wore the shirt, the emblem. Now, currently, I’m here with it on me.”