Nottingham Forest sack Steve Cooper with Nuno Espirito Santo set to replace him | Football

The news has been expected for some time, with Forest winning just three of their 17 Premier League games so far this season, results that have left them 17th in the table and just five points above the relegation zone.

Upon the announcement on Tuesday afternoon, club owner Evangelos Marinakis said: ‘Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve for his superb contribution to our football club.

‘His achievement in guiding Forest back to the Premier League will undoubtedly remain an iconic moment in the Club’s history.

‘We thank Steve for his dedication and commitment during his time with us, as well as the incredible connection he forged with our supporters and the city of Nottingham.

‘Steve will always remain a friend of the Club and will forever be welcome at The City Ground. We wish him well in his future endeavours.’

Former Swansea boss Cooper moved to the City Ground in 2021 with Forest bottom of the Championship and sensationally got them promoted to the Premier League in the same season.

Last season, against all the odds, the Welshman kept his side in the top-flight with a 16th placed finish, but has failed to build on that this campaign.

Cooper is only the second Premier League manager to be sacked this season, following Paul Heckingbottom’s dismissal from Sheffield United earlier in December.

Forest added: ‘The Club will make a further announcement on the appointment of a new head coach in due course.’

It was reported on Monday night that the club had already opened talks with Santo who has been out of work since November after getting sacked by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.

The Portuguese’s appointment looks set to be confirmed in the next couple of days.

Forest are set to host Bournemouth on Saturday before two tricky fixtures against Newcastle and Manchester United close out the year.

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