Steve Cooper has been sacked as Nottingham Forest manager after winning just one game since September.
Forest go into the Christmas season in 17th place, five points clear of the dreaded relegation zone, but that’s not enough for the owners.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis said: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve for his great contribution to our football club. His achievement in leading Forest back to the Premier League will undoubtedly remain an iconic moment in the club’s history.
“We would like to thank Steve for his dedication and commitment during his time with us and for the incredible connection he has made with our supporters and the city of Nottingham.
“Steve will always be a friend of the club and will always be welcome at the City Ground. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors.”
Cooper took up the role in September 2021 as the club’s owners went on a spending spree, spending more than £160 million on transfers as they reached the top flight for the first time. In 21 transfers, they surpassed clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City.
This initially paid off, last season they finished 16th in the league, four points above the relegation zone, but this season the club was unable to continue. The Welshman has always enjoyed the strong support of his fans, especially since he led the club to the top flight via the play-offs in May 2022.
But Forest have decided to sack their coach after five defeats and one draw in their last six games. Cooper had held on after a 5-0 defeat to Fulham earlier this month, but the final nail in the coffin was the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.
The club has been linked to former Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo. Nuno has been unemployed since he was released by Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad in November, just months after winning the title.
He has not made it into the league since a 17-game streak with Spurs that ended in November 2021, but previously led the Wolves to the top flight and kept them there for three years. He reportedly flew to meet with Marinakis.
Other names linked include former Eintracht Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner and former Wolves coach Julen Lopetegui.
