Sacking manager Steve Cooper would have been a ‘silly mistake’ by Nottingham Forest, according to former Premier League striker Dion Dublin.
Speculation over the future of the Forest boss has been swirling in recent days, with talk reaching fever pitch in the wake of Forest's 2-1 defeat at Leeds on Tuesday.
That result left Forest only out of the relegation zone on goal difference, with the Reds winless in their last eight league games. All-in-all, suggestions that that the Reds boss was close to leaving the club did not seem out of place. Forest are next in action on Saturday when they take on Aston Villa at Villa Park (3pm kick off).
READ MORE: West Ham mauling prompts Forest response in relegation battle
READ MORE: Harry Toffolo makes Forest 'destiny' vow after Leeds blow
Amid the speculation over Cooper’s future, Forest moved to put an end to it on Wednesday afternoon. “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," Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis said in a statement .
It is the second time this season that Cooper has been backed by the owner when seemingly under pressure. The manager was given a new contract amid speculation over his future back in October, something that brought an upturn in form.
It will be hoped by Forest that a similar impact will be made by the statement. And former top-flight striker turned pundit Dion Dublin believes the right decision has been made by the club.
“It’s rare to hear it, and it to be meant,” he said on Match of the Day on Wednesday night. “And I think Steve Cooper is absolutely delighted by it and I’m glad the owners have actually done that. I’m pretty sure they mean it and I think to get rid of him would be a silly mistake.”
What do you think of the statement backing Cooper? Tell us in the comments section
READ NEXT
