Steve Cooper SACKED by Leicester after just 12 games in charge as club release 104-word statement

LEICESTER have sacked manager Steve Cooper following yesterday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

The Foxes were treated to regular boos from their own fans after being outplayed at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

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Steve Cooper has been sacked by Leicester after just 12 matches[/caption]

Cooper cut an irate figure throughout after claiming his Foxes side should have been awarded a second penalty.

But the loss, his sixth in 12 games, saw Leicester drop to 16th in the table.

And Cooper has now parted ways with the club just five months after replacing now-Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca.

He picked up only two wins after a topsy-turvy summer transfer window.

Former Nottingham Forest boss Cooper saw star man Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall follow Maresca to Stamford Bridge.

But the Foxes were reduced to bargain shopping in the summer.

And the lack of quality reinforcements quickly showed as Leicester struggled to pick up points.

Cooper’s assistants Alan Tate and Steve Rand have also left the King Power.

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Coach Ben Dawson will now oversee training ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford.

A 104-word club statement read: “Leicester City Football Club has parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect.

“Assistant Manager Alan Tate and First Team Coach and Analyst Steve Rands have also left the Club.

“Steve, Alan and Steve depart with our thanks for their contribution during their time with the Club and with our best wishes for the future.

“Men’s First Team training will be overseen by First Team Coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the Club begins the process of appointing a new manager, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible.”

Foxes chiefs will now conduct a search for Cooper’s eventual permanent replacement.

There are a host of available names who could jump at the opportunity to take charge.

Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and ex-Man Utd interim Ruud van Nistelrooy are keen to re-enter the English game.

They are both strong candidates to take charge at Championship side Coventry and could yet end up on Leicester’s list.

Ex-Chelsea manager Graham Potter is another who is ready to return to management.

The former Brighton boss was spotted at the Emirates for Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest yesterday and will be eager to banish his sad spell with the Blues.

Finally, David Moyes could yet enter the frame following his West Ham exit last summer.

SunSport revealed today that he is wanted by Everton’s prospective new owners for a second stint on Merseyside.

Yet Leicester could fancy their chances should they join the race for the Scot.