Nigerian internationals, Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina, are set to receive a new manager after Nottingham Forest parted ways with head coach Steve Cooper on Tuesday following a disappointing run of form in the Premier League.
Nuno Espirito Santo, former Tottenham manager, is in advanced talks to replace him.
Cooper, despite leading Forest back to the Premier League after a 23-year absence, has seen his position under pressure since the start of the season. With just one win in their last 13 league matches, the club decided a change was necessary.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis acknowledged Cooper’s achievements, stating, “His achievement in guiding Forest back to the Premier League will undoubtedly remain an iconic moment in the club’s history.” He also thanked Cooper for his dedication and wished him well in the future.
While Julen Lopetegui and Oliver Glasner were considered, Nuno Espirito Santo appears to be the preferred choice. He has experience in the Premier League, having led Wolves to a seventh-place finish in 2019. He also boasts a successful promotion record, having guided Wolves to the top flight in 2018.
Cooper’s departure marks the end of his two-year spell at Forest, where he navigated the club from the bottom of the Championship to the Premier League. Despite securing a respectable 16th place finish in their first season back in the top tier, the current campaign’s struggles proved too much to overcome.
With Nuno Espirito Santo on the verge of taking charge, Forest fans can expect a new approach to their on-field struggles. The Portuguese manager’s experience and proven track record could be the key to unlocking Forest’s potential and steering them clear of relegation.