Crystal Palace are planning to appoint Steve Cooper as a replacement for Roy Hodgson this summer.
The south Londoners opted to bring in the 75-year-old on a temporary basis to help keep them in the Premier League, following a dreadful run under Patrick Vieira which has seen the Eagles become the only side in England without a win this year.
Now, Crystal Palace have received a boost in their pursuit of Cooper.
What’s the story?
Well, it was the Daily Mail who claimed that Steve Parish is planning to hire the 43-year-old as a replacement for Hodgson this summer.
Now – according to the Telegraph – Cooper is fighting for his job at Nottingham Forest, and could be sacked if he suffers defeat to Wolves.
Nottingham Forest currently sit 16th in the Premier League, two points above the relegation zone on 26 points.
However, those in the boardroom at the City Ground are not too satisfied with Cooper, who is without a win since February 6th and has lost four of his last six Premier League outings.
The Welshman – who is adored by fans at the City Ground – also found himself under huge pressure back in October, but was actually handed a new contract by Evangelos Marinakis in a refreshing show of support.
Cooper took over at the City Ground last season when Nottingham Forest were bottom of the Championship, and ended up guiding them to promotion via the Play-Offs.
Marinakis then spent over £175m on 30 new signings as he aimed to establish Nottingham Forest as a Premier League side, although it seems that the huge influx of arrivals may have actually made life harder for Cooper.
Crystal Palace could strike agreement with Steve Cooper
If Cooper is sacked before the end of the season – which would be a bizarre decision given the lack of managerial options available right now – Crystal Palace could strike an agreement with him now in time for the summer.
The Welshman – who Marc Guehi has previously called a “fantastic coach” – is a very good manager, and Parish would not want to risk losing out by waiting until July to make contact.
Be sure to keep an eye on the situation over the weekend, as Cooper could be sacked if he loses to Wolves.
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