Nottingham Forest fire Steve Cooper; Nuno Espirito Santo in advanced talks to take over

Nottingham Forest has terminated the contract of manager Steve Cooper, as the team currently holds the 17th position in the Premier League, with a mere five-point buffer above the relegation zone. The decision comes in the wake of a dismal performance, securing only one point in the last six games and a solitary victory in the past 13 matches.

There are reports indicating that talks are at an advanced stage with former Wolves and Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo as a potential replacement. Another name in consideration is Julen Lopetegui, the former Wolves manager, who has reportedly been approached about the vacant position.

Steve Cooper’s tenure spanned 27 months across three different seasons, notably overseeing the promotion-winning campaign of 2021-22 and successfully avoiding relegation in Nottingham Forest’s return to the Premier League after a 23-year absence. Taking charge in September 2021 when the team was at the bottom of the Championship, Cooper orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, finishing 4th and securing promotion.

However, the current season started promisingly with two wins, one draw, and two losses, but the team’s form declined significantly with just one victory in the subsequent 13 matches. Nottingham Forest has gradually slipped down the league table, finishing above 15th in only one of the last nine matchweeks.