Nottingham Forest have released a statement confirming Steve Cooper will remain as the club’s manager.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis says the club “wish to end the speculation” about Cooper’s role at The City Ground – 90min revealed that talks would be held over whether or not the 43-year-old would continue as manager after the 2-1 defeat at Leeds United left Forest just a point above the relegation zone.
There were further reports elsewhere that Forest had decided to part company with Cooper, but Marinakis has stated that isn’t the case and has publicly thrown his support behind the former Swansea boss.
“No one denies that our Club is in a difficult position in the Premier League, but we wish to end the speculation and the false and disruptive reporting in the media to confirm that Steve Cooper remains our manager at Nottingham Forest.
“We have all been disappointed with recent performances and it is very clear that a lot of hard work needs to be done to address this urgently. Results and performances must improve immediately.
“Now is the time for everyone connected with our club, from us as owners, to the board, our supporters, backroom staff, coaches and players – to come together and fight to secure our status in the Premier League.
“There can be no time for distractions, rumours and speculation. There is only time for hard work, determination, a commitment from Steve and the players to getting the results we need and, of course, the continued magnificent support of the fans of Nottingham Forest.”
Defeat at Elland Road was Forest’s tenth away defeat in 14 Premier League games – the worst record in the division. They have scored just five times on the road and have conceded a whopping 34 goals, but are firmly in contention to stay up because of their significantly better home form.
Despite regularly picking up points on their own turf, Forest are currently on a run eight Premier League games without a win. Currently, just seven points separate 12th-place Crystal Palace and bottom of the table Southampton, with last night’s victory for Leeds propelling them from 19th in the table up to 13th – leapfrogging Forest in the process.