After a poor start to the 2021/2022 Championship season, Nottingham Forest sacked manager Chris Hughton leading to Steve Cooper’s appointment on a two-year contract.
Cooper has shaped his reputation by coaching young players. He spent his early managerial days at National League side Wrexham coaching their academy while only 19 years old.
A student of the game, Cooper is known for having a style that revolves around dominating possession and having strong relationships with his players.
After receiving his UEFA Pro License at just 27 years old, Cooper became one of the youngest coaches to obtain the certificate.
In 2008, Cooper continued his managerial career at Liverpool, initially being appointed as Under-12s head coach then advancing to academy manager.
While at Liverpool, Cooper overlooked the growth of stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Raheem Sterling.
Complete managerial record: Won 99, Drawn 42, Lost 42
In 2014, Cooper was appointed England Under-16s coach, going on to coach the Under-17s the following year working with young talents Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho.
Cooper’s Under-17s won the Under-17 World Cup in 2017, beating Brazil and Spain on their way to glory.
Following his time with England, Cooper became head coach of Swansea City in 2019, his most high-profile job yet.
Cooper was named EFL Championship manager of the month in August 2019 – his first month as Swansea boss.
After the Covid-19-enforced break, Cooper’s Swansea surged up the table. They were 11th when the season resumed, but forced their way into the play-offs in the final moments of the final game and in doing so dumped Forest out of a play-off position.
Coopers side came up short over two legs against a Brentford side that were defeated in the final by Fulham.
A year on and Cooper, Swansea and Brentford were at Wembley for the play-off final. Thanks to early goals from Ivan Toney and Emiliano Marcondes Brentford ran out the victors again.
Cooper left Swansea City via a mutual agreement in July 2021. Proceeding him to be appointed Nottingham Forest head coach on 21 September, 2021.
Nottingham Forest currently sit 16th in the Championship – unbeaten in the four games since Cooper’s arrival.