Amid the drama of Ange Postecoglou’s arrival at Nottingham Forest, former Reds manager Steve Cooper has also found himself back in charge of a club.
Away from Forest, there have been plenty of managerial movements in the EFL, which saw Cooper’s name considered by clubs looking to reach the Premier League.
Middlesbrough considered Cooper a leading candidate before moving for Rob Edwards, while West Brom fans wanted Cooper, but the club chose Ryan Mason instead.
These rejections may have worked in his favour, though, as Cooper has become the Brondby head coach, where he will be joined by another ex-Red in the dugout.
Alan Tate joins Steve Cooper at Brondby
Cooper arrives at Brondby with the club in fourth place after seven games, four points behind FC Copenhagen in first, but off the back of two consecutive defeats.
It’s a unique challenge for the Welsh coach, but one he won’t be taking on alone, as trusty assistant Alan Tate has also made the move to Denmark.
In a statement on Brondby’s website, Tate said: “For me, Brondby IF is a club with a strong and proud history. As a young player at Manchester United, I clearly remember the Brondby team from the group stage in ’99, and for me it is a picture of what a great club is – a club that competes in the Champions League.
“Therefore, it is a big day for both me and my family that I can now become part of Brondby IF as an assistant coach. For me, it is about respecting and building on the club’s traditions, while taking on the challenge of winning matches and competing for trophies.”
The pair clearly make a good team, with the Brondby hierarchy referencing their work at the City Ground as a key reason that Cooper and Tate have been appointed.
Why Brondby chose Steve Cooper and Alan Tate
Tate also departed when Cooper was sacked by Leicester City back in November 2024. However, given that Leicester were still relegated after dismissing the former Forest man, his stock as a coach hasn’t been damaged too badly.
Brondby clearly saw enough in the pair to bring them over to Denmark, with director of football Benjamin Schmedes explaining to Brondby’s website why Cooper in particular was chosen.
He said: “His work with young players and some of the greatest talents in the world is eye-catching and another reason why he is now head coach of Brondby IF.
“We are sure that he can help build an even stronger bridge between the Masterclass and the first team and secure the food chain all the way through the club.”
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