Steve Cooper sacked as Nottingham Forest manager, Nuno Espirito Santo in talks to take over

Steve Cooper has been sacked as manager of Nottingham Forest after over two years in charge of the club.

The Welshman got Nottingham Forest promoted in May 2022 via the Championship play-offs and has since collaborated with club owner Angelos Marinakis on the recruitment of 44 players over three transfer windows.

The 44-year-old has been dismissed by Forest following a run of disappointing results, with the club in 17th place in the Premier League table, having won just one of their last 13 matches.

"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," owner Evangelos Marinakis said via the Forest website.

"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 picked up just one point from their last six matches and are currently just five points above the relegation zone. Luton, currently in 18th on nine points, have a game in hand.

The club statement said that Cooper's successor would be announced in "due course," with former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo reportedly in formal talks.

The Portuguese, who had managerial spells at Rio Ave, Valencia and Porto, spent four years at Wolves, getting the club promoted to the Premier League and registered consecutive seventh-placed finishes as well as a Europa League run to the quarter-final stages.

He took over at Tottenham in 2021 but was sacked after less than four months in charge following a run of five defeats in seven games.

Nuno joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad in July 2022, leading the team to the domestic title last season, but was sacked 12 games into the 2023-24 campaign after a run of poor results.

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