Nottingham Forest’s set-piece coach, Simon Rusk, has left the club to become the head coach of Southampton’s Under-21 team.
Rusk, 42, was appointed to Forest in December 2023 to address the club’s significant issues with set-pieces. His time at the City Ground, however, proved challenging.
Despite being the club’s first-ever set-piece coach, Rusk had minimal impact on the first team after Nuno Espirito Santo took over as head coach later that month.
Forest struggled with set-pieces throughout the season, conceding a league-high 22 goals from dead-ball situations.
Rusk’s arrival came as a solution to a problem that had plagued Forest since their return to the Premier League.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis had been frustrated by delays in securing a specialist, having initially targeted former Tottenham coach Gianni Vio. Rusk’s appointment occurred just before Steve Cooper was replaced by Nuno.
Following his move to Southampton, Rusk expressed his excitement about his new role, stating:
“I’m delighted to join Southampton, it’s an exciting step to come to a club with such an established reputation for developing top talent. I’m looking forward to getting started with the group here.”
Rusk’s career includes a stint as England Under-19s head coach and nearly a decade at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he served in various coaching capacities, including two stints as a first-team coach alongside former Forest manager Chris Hughton. His experience with youth development is expected to be valuable for Southampton’s academy.
Southampton’s academy director, Andy Goldie, praised Rusk’s track record, noting:
“His track record in developing young talent at club and international level speaks for itself. He will act as a great mentor for our younger coaches and play a key role in driving the Academy forward next season.”
Forest fans are left wondering if the set-piece issues will continue to trouble their team in the upcoming season, hoping the club finds a more effective solution soon.
