Leicester City have named Steve Cooper as their new manager.
The former Nottingham Forest boss, 44, has been out of work since leaving Forest in December 2023. He joins Leicester on a three-year contract.
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester City.
“His vision for the team, including his ability to develop players and implement a dynamic style of play, is very much aligned with our aspirations for the club. As a leader, he has the ability to build on the strong relationship that has been forged between our fans and our team, strengthening a bond that will be vital to us re-establishing the club in the Premier League.”
The Foxes have been searching for a new manager since Enzo Maresca departed for Chelsea at the start of June. Maresca had guided Leicester to first place in the Championship, securing an immediate return to the Premier League after their relegation in the 2022-23 season.
STEVE COOPER HAS BEEN APPOINTED NEW COACH OF LEICESTER CITY. HE WILL MANAGE ABDUL FATAWU ISSAHAKU
HE WAS COACH FOR ANDRE AYEW AT SWANSEA AND NOTTINGHAM FOREST #3SPORTSGH PIC.TWITTER.COM/RPK72ZJJLU
— #3SPORTS (@3SPORTSGH) JUNE 20, 2024
“I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City’s first-team manager,” said Cooper. “This is a fantastic club with a rich history and passionate supporters. I am excited to work with such a talented squad and I’m looking forward to the challenge of achieving our shared ambitions in the Premier League.”
The Foxes considered a number of replacements for Maresca, including West Brom manager Carlos Corberan.
However, Cooper’s Premier League experience made him a standout choice. He successfully kept Forest in the top flight by finishing 16th following their promotion in 2022.
Despite his popularity among Forest supporters, Cooper was sacked midway through the last season with the club sitting 17th in the table.