Announced on Wednesday, Nuno Espirito Santo has officially taken on the role of the new manager at Nottingham Forest, as confirmed by the Premier League club.
The club statement read, “Nottingham Forest can today confirm the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as first team head coach.”
Nuno has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and is set to lead his first match on Saturday against Bournemouth at The City Ground.
The 49-year-old Portuguese coach replaces Steve Cooper, who was dismissed by Forest after a disappointing run of one win in 13 Premier League games, leaving the club just one place, and five points, above the relegation zone.
Nuno’s last stint was at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad until November.
After a two-year absence from English football following a brief four-month spell at Tottenham Hotspur, which saw only 10 Premier League games, Nuno has made his return.
Prior to that, Nuno spent four successful years as the manager of Wolves, guiding the club to promotion from the Championship in his first season and securing consecutive seventh-place finishes in the Premier League, as well as an impressive run to the Europa League quarter-finals.
Cooper’s departure from the City Ground came amid Forest’s poor performance, having lost five of their last six games.
The 44-year-old Welshman led Forest to their promotion to the Premier League in 2022, putting an end to their 23-year absence from the top flight for a club that was twice crowned champions of Europe under celebrated manager Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980.
Despite the support Cooper had from Forest fans after their Premier League survival last season, the heavy investment in new signings failed to produce the expected results, leading to the Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis running out of patience with the former Swansea boss.
Moving forward, Marinakis expressed his gratitude to Steve for his remarkable contribution to the football club and guiding Forest back to the Premier League, marking an iconic moment in the club’s history.
He further added, “We thank Steve for his dedication and commitment during his time with us, as well as the incredible connection he forged with our supporters and the city of Nottingham.”
Emphasizing Cooper’s enduring connection with the club, Marinakis assured, “Steve will always remain a friend of the club and will forever be welcome at The City Ground.”
AFP
