Nottingham Forest have confirmed Steve Cooper has been relieved of his position as head coach, with former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo poised to take over.
Cooper’s position had appeared to be in question for several weeks, with a run of one win in 13 games seeing Forest drop to 17th in the Premier League table, albeit with a five-point cushion over Luton Town in the relegation zone.
Cooper was thought to be on the brink of being sacked after Forest were thrashed 5-0 by Fulham in early December, though they responded to that result by claiming a 1-1 draw at Wolves.
However, Friday’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham was the final straw for owner Evangelos Marinakis, with reports now suggesting Nuno is in talks to take over after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad last month.
Read our other football news stories here:
Lijnders backs Nunez to succeed at Liverpool
Arsene Wenger defends Club World Cup expansion plans
Muller to play into 25th year with Bayern after signing new deal
Forest confirmed Cooper’s departure in a statement on Tuesday, with Marinakis saying: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve for his superb contribution to our football club.
“His achievement in guiding Forest back to the Premier League will undoubtedly remain an iconic moment in the club’s history.
“We thank Steve for his dedication and commitment during his time with us, as well as the incredible connection he forged with our supporters and the city of Nottingham.
“Steve will always remain a friend of the club and will forever be welcome at the City Ground. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Nottingham Forest confirms the departure of head coach Steve Cooper.
Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve for his superb contribution to our football club and wish him well in his future endeavours.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 19, 2023
Forest said a further announcement on Cooper’s successor would be made “in due course”.
Cooper was a highly popular figure with Forest’s fans, who chanted his name at the end of their recent defeats to Fulham and Spurs after reports suggested his position was under threat.
The Welshman took charge of Forest in September 2021 with the club bottom of the Championship and immediately led them to promotion via the play-offs, before keeping them in the Premier League with a 16th-placed finish last season.
Forest will now look to finalise Nuno’s appointment ahead of Saturday’s home meeting with Bournemouth, after which they go to Newcastle United on Boxing Day and host Manchester United on December 30.
