Steve Cooper has been sacked as head coach of Nottingham Forest, ending two years at the club.
The 44-year-old was sacked after a run of one win in thirteen games and five defeats in the last six. That leaves Forest in 17th place in the Premier League, just five points behind 18th-placed Luton Town, who have played a game in hand.
Cooper’s last game against the team was a 2-0 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur last Friday.
However, Cooper’s time at the club was a success. When he was appointed in September 2021, Forest were entrenched at the back of the league standings.
But Cooper led his side to a fourth-place finish that season and the club ended their 23-year absence from the top flight after beating Huddersfield Town in the Championship playoff final.
Last season, Forest enjoyed several memorable effects under Cooper as they beat Liverpool and Arsenal and drew with eventual Premier League champions Manchester City.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis said on the club’s official website: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve for his very good contribution to our football club. His good fortune in guiding Forest to the Premier League will remain an iconic moment in the club’s history.
“We thank Steve for his determination and commitment during his time with us, as well as the incredible bond he has forged with our supporters and the City of Nottingham.
“Steve will be a friend of the club and welcome to the City Ground. We wish him the best of luck in his long-term endeavors.
He reports that Nuno Espirito Santo is the leading candidate to upgrade Cooper at Forest.
The 49-year-old would take charge of his third Premier League club, having previously been head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur.
Nuno recently left Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, after 16 months in charge.
During his time with Wolves, Nuno guided them to their seventh consecutive Premier League final, the achievement the club has achieved in the competition.
He oversaw Wolves’ first European championship in 39 years, leading them to the quarter-finals of the 2019/20 UEFA Europa League, where they lost 1-0 to eventual champions Sevilla.
The Portuguese was then appointed head coach of Spurs in June 2021 but was sacked just over four months later.
He has been named Barclays Manager of the Month 4 times.