Steve Cooper CONFIRMED as new Leicester manager after Graham Potter talks collapsed at final hurdle
LEICESTER CITY have confirmed the appointment of Steve Cooper as their new manager.
The Foxes have been on the hunt for a new gaffer following Enzo Maresca‘s departure to Chelsea earlier this month.
The Midlands clubs spoke to several candidates about replacing the recently-departed Italian.
Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter was in contention to take charge of the club.
But talks for the free agent to succeed Maresca sensationally collapsed this week.
The Leicester brass quickly pivoted to the out-of-work Cooper.
And they’ve decided they want the Welshman to lead them in their return to the Premier League next season.
An excerpt of a club statement read: “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 and arrives at King Power Stadium as the Club continues its preparations for our top-flight return, following promotion from the Sky Bet Championship last season.
” A manager of Premier League experience following a successful spell with Nottingham Forest, whom he guided to and established in the top flight between 2021 and 2023, Steve has built an excellent reputation in the game for his qualities as a coach and a leader.”
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Steve Cooper's Open Letter To Leicester Fans
I am very proud to be joining a club with a rich history, and I want first of all to thank Khun Top for the opportunity to manage Leicester City.
I recognise I am joining a group of people who love this Club and want the very best for it.
I congratulate the players and staff on the achievements of their promotion to the Premier League. I know how hard that is.
Any person who loves football can only look with great respect upon how much this Club has achieved in recent years.
The Premier League title of 2016 and the FA Cup of 2021 have demonstrated what’s possible for a united club.
As the new manager, I don’t take that legacy lightly. My job will be to build on those achievements and to bring everyone along – players, staff and fans.
Great challenges lie ahead but I get the feeling that Leicester thrives in these moments. I know we will be ready.
The work starts now on building towards a successful Premier League season.
Our aim is to once again make Leicester City an established Premier League club, and one that can look forward to the future with pride and ambition.
To do that we have to show to our fans that we are ready to adapt to the new level after a season in the Championship.
I know that my experience will be valuable in helping that evolution, with an excellent group of players working from one of the best training grounds in the world.
As staff and players, it is important we play with a style that the Leicester support recognise as the very best of their Club.
The support of the fans will be fundamental and I am looking forward to meeting many of you over the summer.
This Club has a distinct identity and attracts a great deal of respect for what it has achieved.
That has been done through the dedication of the owners and the hard work of the players and the people here.
I take the faith the Club have placed in me very seriously and am committed to immersing myself in what the Club and community stands for ensuring we have success together.
Steve Cooper
Cooper has been out of work since being relieved of his duties as Nottingham Forest boss last December.
He was given the boot as Forest with five points above the relegation zone following a run of one win in 13 matches.
Cooper is looking forward to the difficult task of keeping the Foxes in the Prem next season.
He said: “I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City’s First Team Manager.
“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.”
Foxes chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “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’s first competitive game in charge of Leicester will come in their Prem opener against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, August 19.
They then face a trip to Craven Cottage six days later to take on Fulham before closing out the month with the visit of Aston Villa.