A report has claimed that there is still serious doubt over whether Steve Cooper will remain in charge of Nottingham Forest next season.
The Athletic has run a piece on who might be included in contention to become Crystal Palace’s new permanent manager.
Cooper has been included in the list and they believe that there remains some doubt over whether or not the 43-year-old will remain at Forest.
The head coach took over at the City Ground in September 2021. He replaced Chris Hughton and took Forest to promotion in under a year.
His first season in the Premier League hasn’t been without its struggles. He’s been linked with the sack twice, with Evangelos Marinakis hoping for a smoother ride this season.
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With two games to go, Forest’s destiny is in their own hands. They probably need one more win to be absolutely sure, although a point could be enough too.
Cooper is among the lowest-paid managers in the Premier League. He takes home £30,000-a-week and naturally a debrief will take place at the end of this season.
Forest fans absolutely love Cooper. They hope that he gets another chance to rebuild in the summer and go again next season, regardless of the division the Reds find themselves in.
Report claims serious doubt remains over Cooper at Forest
The head coach does tick a lot of boxes for Palace interestingly. He’s a whizz with younger players and he’s considered more of a coach than a manager.
But, Forest shouldn’t wash their hands of him if they stay up as that would represent everything wrong with modern-day football.
It’s fair to say that Cooper will have to improve next season. For example, the club’s away form this season has been scandalous and that won’t do if the Reds stay in the division.
The head coach is widely respected though and he will learn from this season at Forest.
Finishing 17th was always going to be deemed acceptable this season after 23 years in the wilderness and Forest should forget dumping Cooper.