Steve Cooper sacking CONFIRMED by Nottingham Forest with Nuno Espirito Santo in advanced talks to take over
NOTTINGHAM FOREST have confirmed the sacking of Steve Cooper following Friday’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Ex-Spurs and Wolves chief Nuno Espirito Santo is already in advanced talks to replace him – reportedly on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Despite Forest‘s dismal run of results, Cooper received the backing and support of fans in his last few weeks at the City Ground.
However, owner Evangelos Marinakis decided it was time for a change, with the Midlanders 17th and only one place above the Premier League drop zone.
Portugese manager Nuno could step in quickly and, according to talkSPORT, be in the dugout for Saturday’s home Prem clash with Bournemouth.
Marinakis said in a statement: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve Cooper for his superb contribution to our football club.
“His achievement in guiding Forest back to the Premier League will undoubtedly remain an iconic achievement 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.”
Forest have just three wins all season, with only one in their last 13 games.
Former England Under-16 and U17 boss Cooper was a popular figure in the dressing room, but club chiefs have made a decision over his future.
Cooper was appointed as Forest manager in September 2021, with the club rock bottom of the Championship.
He immediately went on to turn things around and led Forest to the Play-Off final at Wembley Stadium, where they clinched a 1-0 win over Huddersfield to secure Premier League promotion.
The Reds signed 21 new players ahead of their first season in the top tier, spending £150million.
Despite a difficult start to the 2022-23 campaign, club officials backed Cooper by giving him a new contract.
However, just four months into the 2023-24 season, they have decided to call time on his managerial stint at the City Ground.
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Marinakis is now hoping that Nuno will be able to steer the club away from the relegation zone.
The 49-year-old won the Championship with Wolves before leading them in the Premier League.
He then joined Tottenham in June 2021 but was dismissed after less than four months.
Last summer he was appointed as the manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
But in November, just months after winning the title, he was sacked.
Nuno is now expected to take the helm at the City Ground in time for Saturday’s match against Bournemouth.
He flew in for talks with club officials on Tuesday afternoon.