Steve Cooper tipped for sensational Nottingham Forest return after Sean Dyche sack development
Steve Cooper is still well-loved by many of the Nottingham Forest faithful after the manager successfully guided the Reds to the Premier League in 2022.
The 46-year-old spent just over two years at the City Ground, where he led them to the top-flight in his first campaign, before securing survival in his second.
While his third season did not work out, he is still considered an icon by many Forest fans, despite Cooper’s controversial move to Leicester City in the 2024-25 campaign.
Now, with Dyche under heavy pressure at Nottingham Forest, Cooper, who is currently the manager of Brondby IF in Denmark, is seen as the favourite to take over.
BBC Sport understands that Steve Cooper has been sacked by Nottingham Forest. pic.twitter.com/DAfTuxdvCW
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 19, 2023
Steve Cooper favourite to be next Nottingham Forest manager
After Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 defeat to Leeds United on Friday, pressure has been heaped on Dyche at the City Ground.
The Reds are now just three points from safety after West Ham’s victory over Burnley on Saturday, with the Hammers finally hitting form under Nuno Espirito Santo.
As a result, Dyche is now one of the favourites to be sacked next in the Premier League, with their top-flight status under huge risk going into the second half of the season.
“It’s an AWFUL goal!”
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 6, 2026
Sean Dyche reveals his message to the dressing room after Nottingham Forest’s defeat 😳 pic.twitter.com/bd0y8XYUCW
Now, the bookies are starting to take odds on who could take over at the East Midlands club if Dyche is to get the boot.
One bookmaker has now made Cooper the favourite to take over, placing the odds at 4/1.
Who else is in the running for the Nottingham Forest job?
After Cooper, Marco Silva is considered the second favourite for the role at 6/1.
The Fulham manager’s long-term future at the Cottagers is under serious doubt, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also believed to be in contention at 8/1.
The Man United icon was tipped for an Old Trafford return in January after Ruben Amorim’s sacking. However, the Red Devils opted to appoint Michael Carrick instead.
Potential outsiders for the job include Erik ten Hag and Jose Luis Mendilibar at 10/1 and 14/1.
Ten Hag was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen in September and is now set to become FC Twente’s technical director at the start of next season.
In comparison, Mendilibar is currently the manager of Olympiacos and led the Greek giants to Europa Conference League glory in the 2023-24 campaign.