Nottingham Forest have been urged to make a new long-term contract for Steve Cooper their 'first order of business' after winning promotion.
The former Swansea boss is entering what is the final year of his deal as it stands after taking Forest into the Premier League with victory in Sunday's play-off final against Huddersfield. Reds fan and BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher says Cooper is Forest's biggest asset - and extending his stay will make their transfer business easier.
"Steve Cooper has got a year left. They cannot, cannot lose that man! They can manage losing anyone else, but the heartbeat of that club is him," he said on the latest Garibaldi Red podcast.
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"He said post match on Sky, being Forest manager had changed his life and his career. I'm lucky enough that I get to have a cup of tea with his dad Keith and brother Neil. They adore the city and they adore Nottingham Forest.
"This is not for show. He adores the club. If anyone deserves a long term contract it's Steve Cooper. The first order of business - forget fixtures, season tickets, who you are going to buy and sell - the first thing is to get the manager on a long-term contract.
"I guarantee there are clubs in the Premier League who will come for him if they don't. Even if Forest struggle in the Premier League, his CV is one where clubs will take him.
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"He needs to feel happy and loved. He needs to feel looked after and then he can really build something special, but they've got to get Steve Cooper on a long term contract.
"I think that will help the recruitment as well because players will want to come and play for him. His reputation in the game is fantastic. Managers will send their players to him as they know he will make young players better.
"All I want to see is a long-term contract announced and then we can breathe easy."
