One big reason why Nottingham Forest want 41-year-old as new manager

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Steve Cooper’s excellent track record in youth development is one of the main reasons he’s the leading candidate to replace Chris Hughton at Nottingham Forest, as reported by The Athletic. 

While the 41-year-old wasn’t universally popular at Swansea City – despite leading the South Wales side into the play-offs in both of his seasons at the Liberty Stadium – no one could question Cooper’s ability to coax every ounce of potential from exciting, up-and-coming talent at his disposal. 

Marc Guehi became an £18 million centre-half and England U21 captain after a brilliant loan spell under Cooper.  

Ben Cabango, Freddie Woodman, Rhian Brewster, Connor Roberts and Joe Rodon also made their name at the Liberty, the latter joining Tottenham Hotspur in summer 2020. 

And that’s without mentioning Cooper’s time in charge of the England U17 side.

A Three Lions team boasting the likes of Phil Foden, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jadon Sancho battered Spain in the U17 World Cup final four years ago.

So it’s not hard to imagine the likes of Brennan Johnson (20), Finley Back (18), Alex Mighten (19), Loic Mbe Soh (20) and James Garner (20) going from strength to strength alongside a man who was considered for the Crystal Palace job before Patrick Vieira’s arrival at Selhurst Park. 

Is Steve Cooper heading to Nottingham Forest?

According to The Athletic, backed up by The Guardian, Cooper’s youth development record – not to mention his history of getting a side into the top six – have made him the leading candidate to take Hughton’s place in the hottest of managerial hot-seats. 

Chris Wilder and John Terry have also been linked.

Forest have appointed six managers since summer 2016 and while most have flattered to deceive, such as Philippe Montanier and the returning Martin O’Neill, the appointment of chief executive Dane Murphy may be a catalyst for change. 

During his time in the Barnsley board room, Murphy was central to the appointments of Gerhard Struber and Valerien Ismael – the former dragging the Tykes out of the relegation zone before the latter turned them into genuine promotion contenders.