Leicester City have appointed Steve Cooper as their new manager ahead of their return to the Premier League. Cooper, formerly of Nottingham Forest and Swansea City, has previous top flight experience with the former, who he led back to the top flight in 2022 and then kept them there in their first season.
The Welshman replaces the outgoing Enzo Maresca, who in turn has succeeded Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea. He left the King Power Stadium after a single campaign in which he guided the Foxes to the Championship title. Now, Cooper – back in football for the first time since December – is tasked with maintaining that re-established top flight status.
Many a Leicester supporter has been left initially underwhelmed by the appointment, although the consensus is that the new manager – who penned an open letter to the fanbase upon being announced on Thursday – must be supported by both the club’s following and also in a recruitment sense as he seeks to preside over a successful campaign. This is what the fans have been saying in reaction to the news.
Cate : We support the club, not just one person. If we all don’t get behind them, what chance do we have? Time to crack on and be ready for the huge challenge ahead now
Jamie: Probably not everyone’s first choice but some of the negativity before he was announced felt ridiculous. Done a good job with England’s youth teams, then at Swansea and again at Forest. Happy working with young players’ too which we’ll need. Let’s get behind him!
Charlie Carmichael: It’s not what most fans wanted, but Cooper is a genuine and thoughtful bloke with a decent managerial track record. This season could be rough for many reasons, so he’ll need everyone’s full support. The performances and results can be judged thereafter
Ben Adams: No issue with Cooper coming in at all. From ‘top’ to bottom we are currently a basket case of a club, we are not in a position to attract a high profile manager. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea but next season is going to be a struggle regardless, Cooper has experience