Nottingham Forest have publicly issued support of Head Coach, Steve Cooper, amidst fears of relegation in a tough scrap for Premier League survival.
Cooper was appointed as Forest’s Head Coach in September 2021 with the club sat rock-bottom of the Championship, yet he managed to guide them to promotion via play-offs whilst mounting an impressive FA Cup run to the Quarter-Finals where they were beaten by eventual winners – Liverpool.
Forest’s first campaign in the Premier League since 1998-99 season however has proven tricky with wholesale squad changes, plus one win in their first 11 league games but the club managed to reach the semi-finals of this season’s Carabao Cup.
Cooper though has overseen a dip in form with no wins in their last eight matches during which they have claimed just three draws, and scored in six of their last seven games except for a 4-0 loss at relegation rivals, West Ham in February.
Last night’s (4 April) defeat at Leeds United though has left Forest sat just above the relegation zone on goal difference, with Bournemouth currently occupying the last relegation spot.
Club officials have consequently met to discuss their options which ultimately resulted in the decision to publicly back Cooper, in order to end “false and disruptive reporting in the media” yet iterated that Forest are “in a difficult position in the Premier League,” at present.
Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis consequently issued the following statement addressing the club’s decision to stand by Cooper: “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.”
Forest are next in action away to Aston Villa on Saturday 8 April in a 3pm BST kick-off.
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