Cooper takes charge at Leicester City for their Premier League return

June 21 – Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has been appointed Leicester’s new manager on a three-year contract.

The Foxes have been without a coach since Enzo Maresca departed for Chelsea at the start of the month.

“I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City’s first-team manager,” said Cooper.

“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 sacked midway through last season, with the club 17th in the table.

Cooper led Forest to promotion back to the Premier League in 2022 and had to contend with plenty of problems behind the scenes, before leaving the City Ground in December 2023.

He could be set for more off-field turbulence as Leicester rejoin the Premier League carrying a host of financial fair play and profit and sustainability rule breaches, which could christen Cooper’s reign with an unhelpful points deduction before a ball is even kicked.

Cooper led England’s Under-17s to a World Cup victory in 2017 and spent two years at Swansea, 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 August 19, as the King Power Stadium gears up to host 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.”

Contacts the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1728022342labto1728022342ofdlr1728022342owedi1728022342sni@g1728022342niwe.1728022342yrrah1728022342