Some Steve Cooper comments have come to light from when he first took over at Nottingham Forest and it’s fair to say he’s a man of his word.
The Reds incumbent was the man chosen to replace Chris Hughton when he was sacked in September following a run of one point from seven games.
Forest sat bottom of the Championship when Cooper arrived. Steven Reid led the team towards a first win of the campaign just prior to the Welshman taking the job.
Cooper’s job looked like one that required a massive rebuild. The team was void of confidence but the ex-Swansea boss didn’t mind doing a bit of firefighting.
Clearly, he recognised that the squad boasted plenty of quality. As a result, it didn’t take long for the wins to come.
Upon arriving at the club, he told the official website: “This is a squad with lots of potential. Results have not been as you would have wished in recent weeks and we understand we have to win your faith as supporters.
“My approach to management throughout my time coaching in the junior and senior game has been to play attacking, creative football. That will not change. I recognise this is a club that demands a style and a verve in keeping with its greatest days under its greatest manager.”
Cooper fulfils Nottingham Forest promise and season hasn’t even finished
It’s been quite an astonishing rise up the Championship table for Forest who now have one eye on the play-offs.
Cooper has completely changed the mood on Trentside. Furthermore, the feel-good factor is firmly back among the club’s fan base.
Whatever happens this season, Cooper made a promise to supporters that he would play vibrant and attacking football.
He has achieved that and even if promotion isn’t obtained this season the future looks bright under a progressive, attack-minded head coach.
Cooper said all the right things when he first checked in but ultimately he’s also proved he can walk the walk alongside talking the talk.