Arms folded, Ange Postecoglou stood motionless as Nottingham Forest fans streamed out of the City Ground.

Reece James’ strike, to seal Chelsea’s 3-0 win, saw the home fans leave en mass and within minutes of the final whistle Postecoglou had been sacked.

In a game which was so vital to his Forest future, the hosts imploded in a second half after threatening a recovery during an energetic first.

He was in charge just 39 days and had little time to implement his methods but the leap from Nuno Espirito Santo’s pragmatic style to full throttle pressing under Postecoglou was too much.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis left his seat during the second half and did not return, his giant flatscreen off, and is known to have considered his options during the international break.

His thought process is now obvious and Postecoglou was told by a senior club official, not Marinakis, although that is not unusual after the owner had made up his mind.

He then said goodbye to his players, leaving them with an apology it did not work and he was not able to deliver what he was brought in to do.

It was amicable and there is a sadness at the club it has not worked but also a realisation it was the wrong appointment at the wrong time.