Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper appointed as Leicester City Manager

Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has been appointed as the new manager of Leicester City on a three-year deal.

Cooper, 44, has been without a club since departing from Nottingham Forest in December 2023.

Leicester City had been in search of a new manager since Enzo Maresca left for Chelsea at the beginning of June 2024.

Maresca had joined Leicester last season and led them to the Championship title, securing their immediate return to the Premier League after their relegation in the 2022-23 season.

Expressing his excitement about joining Leicester City, Cooper said, “I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City’s first-team manager. This is a fantastic club with a rich history and passionate supporters. I am excited to work with such a talented squad and I’m looking forward to the challenge of achieving our shared ambitions in the Premier League.”

Leicester City were disappointed by Maresca’s departure after their successful Championship campaign. The club considered various candidates to replace him, including West Brom manager Carlos Corberan.

Cooper brings valuable Premier League experience to Leicester City, having steered Nottingham Forest to a 16th-place finish in the top flight following their promotion in 2022.

He was well-regarded by Forest supporters despite being sacked midway through last season when the club was 17th in the table.

Previously, Cooper had significant success coaching England’s Under-17s to victory in the 2017 World Cup. He also managed Swansea City for two years, leading them to the Championship play-off final in 2021, where they narrowly lost to Brentford.

Cooper’s tenure at Leicester City will commence with their first competitive fixture on 19 August, when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha welcomed Cooper, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester City. His vision for the team, his ability to develop players, and implement a dynamic style of play are closely aligned with our aspirations for the club. As a leader, he has the capability to strengthen the bond between our fans and our team, which will be crucial as we establish ourselves in the Premier League.”