Steve Cooper, 44, is getting closer to making a managerial comeback and could be seen in an opposing dugout next season after serving as manager of Nottingham Forest.
After being fired from Nottingham Forest six months ago, Steve Cooper is apparently very close to rejoining the Premier League as manager, and Brighton is leading the chase for his services.
Midway through the team’s second season back in the top division, the man who had led Forest out of the Championship in the most improbable of circumstances was fired, and Nuno Espirito Santo took his place. Even though he was connected to multiple positions, he hasn’t found another job since.
The 2023–2024 campaign is now over, and with it, so is the managerial cycle. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Cooper could benefit from the Premier League’s recent coaching turnover, according to Mail Online.
They report that four clubs are actively chasing the 44-year-old, with Brighton the leading contender. The Seagulls parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi at the end of the season and were unable to get alleged top target Kieran McKenna, who has instead penned a contract extension with newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
Following that, an ‘unnamed top-half team’ is making efforts to convince Cooper to sign on. This one is difficult to pin down as bar Chelsea – who are about to confirm Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca as their new manager – every top-half team currently has a boss installed.
It is said Cooper is only interested in managing in the Premier League, although this has not deterred two relegated clubs in Sheffield United and Burnley who are also said to be keen on the Welshman. He was said to have rejected Norwich City on these grounds.
