By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Leicester City have appointed former Nottingham Forest coach Steve Cooper as their new manager, the Premier League club said on Thursday.
Cooper, 44, has been out of work since leaving Forest in December 2023.
He has penned a three-year deal with the Championship winners.
The Foxes have been searching for a new manager since Enzo Maresca departed for Chelsea at the start of June.
Maresca joined Leicester at the start of last season, guiding the club to first place in the Championship and an immediate return to the Premier League after their relegation in 2022-23.
But they could face a considerable points deduction after being charged for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
“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.”
Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha added: “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.”
Cooper provides the Foxes with Premier League experience, having kept Forest in the top flight by finishing 16th following their promotion in 2022.He was a popular figure with Forest supporters but he was sacked midway through last season, with the club 17th in the table.