Garry Birtles thinks Nottingham Forest would make a big mistake if they choose to get rid of Steve Cooper.
The legendary European Cup winner has claimed that he’s been impressed with Cooper, citing the work he’s seen him do in training.
Birtles’ comments come after reports have begun to circulate over the future of the Forest head coach after a 3-2 defeat to Brighton.
Birtles discusses future of Cooper
The Miracle Man has had his say on Cooper and it’s fair to say he’s right behind the head coach.
It’s not the first time that questions have been asked of the 43-year-old since promotion to the Premier League.
Birtles can’t see any use in Forest sacking Cooper and he’s explained why he’s the right man for the job.
He told the Garibaldi Red podcast: “If they get rid of him I can’t see any plus points. I’ve seen them training and I’ve seen how he sets them up in training and it’s fantastic to watch, it’s quick and it’s incisive and the professionalism is spot on.
“Everything about it is absolutely great to watch. He’s still doing a very, very good job for me. We’re not getting battered but it’s those little mistakes and the avoidable goals but that’s not down to a manager.”
Forest have to stick with Cooper
This doesn’t even bear thinking about. Julen Lopetegui has been linked with the Forest job – but is he really much of an upgrade on Cooper?
The Welshman has earned his stripes at Forest and the work he’s done behind the scenes shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Forest have progressed from 12 months ago, albeit at a pretty slow rate. Still, the signs are there that Birtles has a point about Cooper.
The Reds incumbent has opened himself to regular chats with the Miracle Men and he’s had most of them down at the training ground.
Cooper has bought into the ethos of Forest and with three games to come in the next week, the head coach deserves time to turn this form around.
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