An international break can be a treacherous time for under-pressure club managers. Sackings were expected during the recent run of Nations League matches and friendlies. Even on the morning of the Queen’s funeral there was wide speculation that Steve Cooper would be relieved of his duties at Nottingham Forest. That the announcement had been delayed, suggested the rumour mill, was only out of respect for Her Majesty.
Cooper remains Forest’s manager and will lead his team into the return of the Premier League. On Monday, at Leicester, he will shake the hand of Brendan Rodgers, another manager WhatsApps and social media In-The-Knows were suggesting had been given his cards.
