Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper is in a really strong position this summer, according to Chris Sutton. The BBC pundit has been discussing the boss after Forest secured their Premier League status for another year.
Sutton appeared on last night’s edition of the Monday Night Club. Talk among the guests turned to Forest’s achievement and the pundit did actually have a little bit of praise for the Reds.
It’s been quite rare for Sutton to praise Forest this season, even though he’s claimed he used to be a Forest fan as a kid. Still, last night he did let down his guard a bit and offered some kind words.
He believes that Cooper deserves praise for the work he’s done this season. Furthermore, he thinks that the head coach now holds the aces when it comes to any potential discussions with his boss this summer.
Sutton told the Monday Night Club: “How do they move on next season? What will be the process in the summer and will there be a big overhaul of players?
“The owner has a reputation for hiring and firing managers. Steve Cooper is now in a really strong position now and he must get his own way with how he wants to move this club on in the summer.”
Sutton thinks Cooper is in a really strong position at Forest
Based on the work he’s done so far, Sutton is probably right. Taking Forest into the Premier League was one great achievement in such a short space of time but keeping them there is even more impressive.
Cooper was dealt a tough hand this season. Although the club needed to sign so many players after the 2021/22 campaign, it was still going to be a tough task to get them gelling together.
In the end, Cooper has managed it. He’s never shirked his responsibilities and has constantly demanded more from his players even when the team’s form hasn’t been great.
Forest are in safe hands with their head coach. Hopefully, discussions between the owner and the head coach can be positive in the summer and the Reds can kick on when the 2023/24 campaign kicks off.