The Espirito of Christmas: Nottingham Forest SACK Steve Cooper
Nottingham Forest will spend Christmas without Steve Cooper after the Premier League outfit sacked the former England age grade manager on Tuesday.
The club are reportedly courting former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Cooper had been in post at the City Ground since 2021 and took Forest into the Premier League for the first time this century.
Poor results for Nottingham Forest
But results have been poor of late. Having beaten Aston Villa 2-0 on 5 November, Cooper’s side – who are competing in their second season in the Premier League after a 25-year absence – have since lost by a goal to West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton, conceded five against Fulham, drew with Wolves and lost to Tottenham.
It leaves Nottingham Forest on a run of one win in 13 games and 17th in the Premier League table, albeit they are five points clear of Luton Town in the relegation zone.
Having been handed his marching orders by the club and owner Evangelos Marinakis, he becomes just the second manager to be sacked from the Premier League this season following on from Paul Heckingbottom at Sheffield United.
Marinakis said: “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.”
It is understood that the club have met with the Portuguese and he is their preferred candidate. Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner is also in the mix.
Forest face Bournemouth at home on Saturday before heading to Newcastle on Boxing Day and hosting Manchester United on 30 December.