Steve Cooper appointed Leicester manager on a three-year deal

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

The former Nottingham Forest boss, who left the City Ground in December, replaces Enzo Maresca at the King Power Stadium. The Italian left to become Chelsea’s head coach earlier this month.

Cooper, 44, took over at Forest when they were bottom of the Championship in 2021, before guiding them to the Premier League via the play-offs.

He continued to keep pace at the first attempt before being sacked midway through last season with the club 17th in the Premier League.

“I am very excited and proud to be appointed as Leicester City’s first team manager,” Cooper said.

Leicester City Football Club can confirm the appointment of Steve Cooper as our new first team manager 🔵

— Leicester City (@LCFC) June 20, 2024

“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 began his coaching career in Liverpool’s academy before coaching England Under-16s and then Under-17s, winning the FIFA Under-17 World Cup with the latter in 2017.

He spent two seasons as Swansea City manager between 2019 and 2021 in the Championship before his appointment at Forest.

Leicester were promoted back to the Premier League as champions but face a points deduction after they were found to have breached the league’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

They start the 2024-25 Premier League season against Tottenham Hotspur before meetings with Fulham and Aston Villa.

(Marc Atkins/Getty Images)