Leicester City has announced the appointment of Steve Cooper, former manager of Nottingham Forest, as their new head coach.
The announcement came on Thursday, with the newly promoted Premier League club confirming his three-year contract.
“Leicester City Football Club can today confirm the appointment of Steve Cooper as our new First Team Manager ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Steve, 44, has agreed a three-year contract,” the club said in a statement.
Cooper steps into the role following the departure of Enzo Maresca, who took up the managerial position at Chelsea earlier this month.
Maresca, also 44, successfully led Leicester back to the Premier League after just one season in the Championship.
“We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester City,” remarked Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.
“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.”
Cooper, who led Nottingham Forest to promotion in 2022 but was dismissed in December 2023 due to the club’s struggles with relegation, expressed his enthusiasm about joining Leicester.
Under his successor Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest managed to retain their Premier League status.
“I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City’s First Team Manager,” said the Welshman.
“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.”
