NOTTINGHAM FOREST have announced that Steve Cooper will remain as manager despite growing speculation over his future.
Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat to fellow strugglers Leeds heaped more pressure on Cooper but the club have moved to quell the speculation.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis confirmed that Cooper was staying in a statement posted on the club website.
The statement read: “No one denies that our club is in a difficult position in the Premier League, but we wish to end the speculation and the false and disruptive reporting in the media to confirm that Steve Cooper remains our manager at Nottingham Forest.
“We have all been disappointed with recent performances and it is very clear that a lot of hard work needs to be done to address this urgently. Results and performances must improve immediately.
“Now is the time for everyone connected with our club, from us as owners, to the board, our supporters, backroom staff, coaches and players – to come together and fight to secure our status in the Premier League.
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“There can be no time for distractions, rumours and speculation. There is only time for hard work, determination, a commitment from Steve and the players to getting the results we need and, of course, the continued magnificent support of the fans of Nottingham Forest.”
Forest are struggling this season despite heavy backing and an influx of players with no fewer than 30 new faces arriving at the City Ground.
They sit 17th on 27 points and remain outside the drop zone on goal difference.
Cooper’s men have picked up one win on the road and just six all season.
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The former Swansea manager has been at Forest since 2021 and took them back to the Premier League for the first time since 1999 with a 1-0 win over Huddersfield in the play off final at Wembley in 2022.
The 43 year old was close to losing his job in October but subsequently signed a new contract until 2025.
There have been a record number of sackings in the Premier League this season with no fewer than 12 managers losing their jobs.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
