June 21 – Steve Cooper, the former Nottingham Forest manager, has been appointed as Leicester City’s new manager on a three-year contract.
The Foxes have been without a coach since Enzo Maresca left for Chelsea at the beginning of the month.
“I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City’s first-team manager,” Cooper said.
“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.”
The 44-year-old was dismissed midway through last season with Nottingham Forest sitting 17th in the table.
Cooper led Forest to Premier League promotion in 2022 and faced numerous challenges behind the scenes before departing from the City Ground in December 2023.
He might face further off-field issues as Leicester reenters the Premier League, carrying several financial fair play and profit and sustainability rule breaches. This could result in a points deduction before the season even begins.
Cooper previously led England’s Under-17s to a World Cup victory in 2017 and managed Swansea for two years, guiding them to the Championship play-off final in 2021, where they were defeated by Brentford.
Cooper’s first competitive match in charge will be on August 19, as the King Power Stadium hosts Tottenham.
“We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester City. His vision for the team, including his ability to develop players and implement a dynamic style of play, is very much aligned with our aspirations for the club,” said Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.
“As a leader, he has the ability to build on the strong relationship that has been forged between our fans and our team, strengthening a bond that will be vital to us re-establishing the club in the Premier League.”
