Cooper Gets Backing Of Nottingham Forest Owner To Remain As Manager

Steve Cooper has been backed by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis to remain as the club's manager.

Marinakis' decision is coming on the back of Forest's 2-1 defeat to Leeds which leaves them in 17th position in the league, above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

In a statement on Wednesday, the club owner said they "wish to end the speculation and the false and disruptive reporting" about Cooper's job by backing him.

“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," Marinakis' statement read.

“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.

“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.”

"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."

— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) April 5, 2023

Forest will next play Aston Villa away from home on April 8 and will be hoping to get a vital win to avoid dropping into the relegation zone with nine games left for them to play.