Steve Cooper promises to match Leicester’s “ambitions” after being appointed new manager

Leicester have appointed Steve Cooper as their new manager on a three-year contract.

The 44-year-old former Nottingham Forest boss takes over from Enzo Maresca after the Italian left for Chelsea after guiding Leicester back to the Premier League in his debut season.

Graham Potter was tipped to take the job but talks collapsed ahead of the announcement of Cooper’s arrival on Thursday.

In a statement to fans, he promised to match the club’s ambitions as they look to beat the 2024-25 slump and pick up where they left off before their surprise relegation just over 12 months ago.

He said: “I am very excited and proud to be appointed as Leicester’s first team manager.

“This is a fantastic club with a rich history and passionate supporters. I am delighted to be working with such a talented team and look forward to the challenge of delivering on our shared ambitions in the Premier League.”

Cooper spent several years coaching England’s youth teams before taking over at Swansea and leading them to the Championship play-offs in back-to-back seasons.

A move to Forest followed and secured promotion via the play-offs in his first season before beating the drop. With the team again in danger of relegation, he was sacked in December.

Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester. His vision for the team, including the ability to develop players and implement a dynamic style of play, is very much in line with our aspirations for the club.

“As a leader, he has the ability to build on the strong relationship that has been created between our fans and our team, strengthening a bond that will be vital to the club’s return to the Premier League.”