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Cooper sets out stance after clear message from Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis
Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper says there was nothing in the statement by owner Evangelos Marinakis which came as a surprise to him.
Following speculation about the Welshman’s future amid an eight-match winless run, the club publicly backed their manager. Marinakis said he wanted to put an end to the rumours by confirming Cooper remained in charge.
The Greek businessman included the warning that results and performances need to improve “immediately” as the Reds battle to avoid relegation. But that came as nothing new to the man in the hot seat.
READ MORE: Toffolo makes Forest 'destiny' vow after Leeds blow
READ MORE: Cooper someone to get behind and believe in after key decision
Steve Cooper sends heartfelt message after Nottingham Forest fans' powerful show of support
Head coach Steve Cooper says he is grateful for the backing he has received from Nottingham Forest fans amid recent speculation about his future.
The Reds’ eight-match winless run saw the Welshman come under pressure, until owner Evangelos Marinakis released a statement on Wednesday morning throwing his weight behind his manager. It did, however, come with a warning that results need to improve quickly as the club battle to avoid relegation.
Forest fans had already made their feelings on the situation clear. Responding to suggestions Cooper’s job was in jeopardy, there was a big show of support at the City Ground last Saturday and social media was awash with #CooperIn in the aftermath of Tuesday night’s defeat at Leeds United.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis avoided ‘silly mistake’ with Steve Cooper decision
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 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).
Daniel Podence responds after Nottingham Forest spitting allegation
Daniel Podence has spoken out after being charged by the Football Assocation with spitting at Brennan Johnson during Saturday’s draw at the City Ground.
The alleged incident occurred in the 90th minute of the 1-1 draw, in which the Wolves winger scored an equaliser, while it was checked by the VAR at the time no action was taken by referee Chris Kavanagh.
Nevertheless the FA hit Podence with a charge that can carry a six-match ban, with Johnson saying he ‘felt like some sort of spit came towards my face’.
Nottingham Forest told ‘lessons need to be learnt’ after Steve Cooper decision
Nottingham Forest need to approach the summer transfer window in a ‘slightly different’ way should they stay in the Premier League this season, according to celebrity Forest fan Darren Fletcher.
The Reds face a fight against relegation to the Championship in the final nine games of the season. They are only outside the bottom three on goal difference, and a 2-1 defeat at relegation rivals Leeds United on Tuesday extended their winless run to eight games.
That poor run of form sparked speculation over the future of manager Steve Cooper amid reports that the Welshman could be relieved of his duties at the City Ground. But owner Evangelos Marinakis released a statement on Wednesday confirming that would not be the case.
