Here’s the latest Nottingham Forest news on Sunday, 9 October, 2022.
Surprise Steve Cooper replacement ‘discussed’
Nottingham Forest "discussed" hiring Xabi Alonso to replace head coach Steve Cooper, it has been reported.
Alonso was among the names discussed as possible alternatives last Friday, when Cooper's future at the City Ground was in doubt. Rafa Benitez was also discussed but the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss was holding out for a more high-profile job.
That's according to the Daily Mail , who say Alonso was discussed "via intermediaries". The former central midfielder has since been appointed manager of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
READ MORE: Steve Cooper frame of mind revealed after Nottingham Forest dinner invitation
READ MORE: Steven Reid reveals moment he 'knew' Nottingham Forest were returning to Premier League
How Forest players reacted to Steve Cooper decision
Nottingham Forest players were "surprised" to hear head coach Steve Cooper had signed a new contract on Friday.
Cooper penned a new three-year deal at the City Ground , a surprise move which was confirmed by the club on Friday morning after a week of serious doubts. Reports had suggested Forest were sounding out potential replacements for Cooper, with Rafa Benitez and Xabi Alonso among the names discussed.
It came as a surprise to many that Cooper had renewed fresh terms, particularly given reports earlier in the week that Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis had taken his new contract offer off the table. It was great news for supporters that a deal had been done, despite the difficult start to life in the Premier League.
Steven Reid ‘knew’ promotion was coming
Former Nottingham Forest coach Steven Reid has pinpointed the moment he "just knew" the Reds were going to be promoted to the Premier League .
Reid was on Steve Cooper's coaching staff last season after initially joining the club under Chris Hughton . Once Cooper arrived in September, Forest never looked back and made an incredible run to the play-off final at Wembley. A win over Huddersfield that day earned a return to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.
It was an "incredible" season that Reid looks back on fondly. He recalled the exact moment he realised Forest were going to be returning to the top flight.
Cooper details Marinakis chats
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper says he doesn’t know if conversations regarding his future were had after Monday night’s defeat at Leicester City.
The Welshman’s job is understood to have been on the line following the 4-0 thumping which made it five defeats in a row and left the Reds bottom of the Premier League table. But instead, the week ended with the head coach penning a new contract, committing to the club until 2025.
It means there can now be full focus on matters on the pitch, with Aston Villa the visitors to the City Ground on Monday. But throughout all the ups and downs, Cooper has been determined to stay true to his beliefs.
READ NEXT:
- 'Too early' - Nottingham Forest sent brutal Steve Cooper warning after contract surprise
Pundits unanimous on Nottingham Forest fate ahead of Aston Villa clash
How Nottingham Forest players reacted to surprise Evangelos Marinakis decision
Steve Cooper faces 'nightmare situation' at Nottingham Forest as crunch Aston Villa clash looms
