Ex-Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper takes over as new Leicester City manager
Ex-Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has been named as the new head coach at Leicester City.
It is a controversial move for Cooper taking over a rival Premier League side in the East Midlands, given the disdain between the two sides.
Nottingham Forest sacked the 44-year-old manager after just one win in 13 matches last season.
Cooper took Forest to the Premier League via the playoffs in 2022, and finished 16th in the 2022-23 season, when many predicted relegation.
He spent big in the summer of 2022, breaking the previous record of new signings by one club in a transfer window, bringing in 21 players and spending close to £150 million.
It's been a controversial season for Forest with the club failing in their bid to appeal a four-point deduction, for breaching the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).
Forest were originally handed a four-point deduction for overspending.
'I'm really excited and proud'
There's also ongoing speculation that the club could leave their ground in favour of a new 50,000-seater stadium.
Leicester announced Cooper as their new manager after the departure of Enzo Maresca.
The Italian boss steered Leicester to the Championship title and a place back in the Premier League.
Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: "We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester City. His vision for the team, including his ability to develop players and implement a dynamic style of play, is very much aligned with our aspirations for the Club.
"As a leader, he has the ability to build on the strong relationship that has been forged between our fans and our team, strengthening a bond that will be vital to us re-establishing the Club in the Premier League."
Cooper said: "I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City’s First Team Manager.
"This is a fantastic Club with a rich history and passionate supporters. I am excited to work with such a talented squad and I’m looking forward to the challenge of achieving our shared ambitions in the Premier League."
The appointment for the former Forest boss hasn't gone down well with all Leicester City fans.
Speaking to ITV Central, Amy Ginetta said: "It’s obviously a controversial decision with him being the ex-Forest manager and has already divided fan's opinions.
"That said we all know the situation the club is in and the fact Cooper wants to be here and straight the way has a positive attitude about securing Premier League status, even with all the uncertainty, has to be a positive.
"Enzo left at the first opportunity which has been a kick in the teeth, although a lot of fans weren’t upset to see him go so the most important thing is we have someone who wants to be here.
"It’s going to be a difficult season for lots of reasons, so as fans we now need to get behind the team and club to try and stay in the Premier League. If the team comes out fighting on the first day of the season and I’m sure they will then the fans will be right behind them."Meanwhile, Di Statham said "He starts with a clean sheet and I will get behind him. He has experience of managing in the Premier League which I think will be helpful."
Nottingham Forest's first fixture in the 2024-2025 Premier League season is at home to Bournemouth on Saturday 17th August.
Meanwhile there's a tough start to the Premier League campaign for the former Leicester boss Enzo.
His Chelsea side will host Manchester City - the team Enzo left to coach Leicester, on Sunday 18th August.
Cooper has agreed a contract to 2027.
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