When the question is put forward about rumoured interest in him, Steve Cooper doesn’t just close that line of discussion down, he pretty much slams the door shut.
There was speculation about the Nottingham Forest head coach earlier this week, with suggestions other teams are casting admiring glances his way. The Reds, it was said, could face a fight to keep hold of him in the summer.
Cooper signed a new contract at the City Ground in October, one which has him tied down until 2025. But he has made it clear that he didn’t need to put pen to paper to affirm his love for the club.
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“I’ve felt it from the start,” he said. “Signing the contract is maybe a more high-profile thing, but bumping into a supporter in the street will be as important to me.
“I will never worry about my individual situation. I never think about myself. I just don’t. Our club is about the togetherness and the belonging of everybody.
“It’s just not something that crosses my mind. What I do know is how important this club is to me and my family, and how responsible I feel for just not letting anybody down.
“Obviously we’re all trying to succeed, but what motivates me is not letting anybody down because everyone has just been so good to me - both in and out of the club. You just want to do good by people.
“Days like last Saturday (the 4-0 defeat at West Ham United), you’re obviously disappointed with the loss and some things that went on, but I just want to quickly get straight back to work. I don’t want any days off, I don’t want any time not living and breathing Nottingham Forest, because that’s how important it is to me.
“Away from my family, it’s the only thing in my life. It’s the only thing I want.”
Cooper’s full focus is on trying to keep Forest in the Premier League. There is a huge game to come against Everton on Sunday, and he reiterates that is the only thing on his mind.
“I don’t even want to talk about it, to be honest,” he said of the speculation. “I don’t even think any of it is true.
“The most important thing at this moment in time is - and it always has been - this football club and trying to win the next game. There’s a greater good here, and that’s the club succeeding. Last year was one part. We’re trying to have the next chapter now. That’s the most important thing, just really committing to this journey and trying to make it a positive one.
“I’m just so proud and honoured to be here. I’ve never been part of something as together in all of my life, but I’m just a part of it. Let’s just keep going.”
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