Latest Nottingham Forest news as Reds set to appoint third head coach of the season after Ange Postecoglou sacking
11:50, 20 Oct 2025
Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper
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Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper(Image: Getty)
Steve Cooper has made clear a return to Nottingham Forest was ‘not going to happen’ amid his former club being poised to appoint their third manager of the season.
The Reds are close to making Sean Dyche their new head coach. The 54-year-old is in line to replace Ange Postecoglou at the helm after the Australian was sacked on Saturday.
Postecoglou’s job had been under threat for some time prior to the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea that proved to be the final straw. When Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was considering his options, Cooper was reportedly among those being considered.
The Welshman remains a hero on the banks of the Trent. He ended the Reds’ long absence from the Premier League and then kept them up before being sacked in 2023.
He is now with Danish club Brondby. The 45-year-old was asked about Forest’s interest after his team’s 3-3 draw with AGF on Sunday, and he stressed he is happy where he is.
“It’s not going to happen,” Cooper told Danish publication Tipsbladet. “I'm really, really happy here at the club.
“I am a very authentic person and if you listen to what I have said you can hear that I am authentic. When you say things, you have to show it.
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“I only focus on everyday life here, because there are many areas where we can take the club to the next level. Just look at the form today. We need to be in better shape. It's a classic thing for a new coach to say, but the players can also tell that I've been very clear about it.”
Cooper had already addressed talk about being on the Reds’ radar on Friday. He said at the time: “I don't read the media. I don't pay attention to anything. I'm just really focused on my work.
“I think I've said it many times, both in front of and behind the cameras, that I really enjoy this and am committed to what we can achieve. That's the only thing that occupies my mind.”
He added: “Like I said, all I do is focus on the work here every day, and I really enjoy it. It is a great honour to be here, and I truly want to respect my position and do my very best to do the best job possible.”
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Postecoglou’s City Ground tenure was ended after just 39 days. He had replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in the hot seat on September 9 but oversaw six defeats and two draws before being given the boot.
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