Leicester City Appoint Steve Cooper as New Manager Ahead of Premier League Return

Leicester City Football Club has named Steve Cooper as their new first-team manager, the club announced on Thursday. Cooper, who previously managed Nottingham Forest, has agreed to a three-year contract and will lead the Foxes into the 2024/25 Premier League season.

This appointment follows the departure of Enzo Maresca, who recently took the managerial position at Chelsea after successfully guiding Leicester back to the Premier League following a brief stint in the Championship. 

“Leicester City Football Club can today confirm the appointment of Steve Cooper as our new first-team manager ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Steve, 44, has agreed a three-year contract,” the club’s statement read.

Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha expressed his enthusiasm about Cooper’s arrival. “We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester City,” he said. “His vision for the team, including his ability to develop players and implement a dynamic style of play, is very much aligned with our aspirations for the club. As a leader, he has the ability to build on the strong relationship that has been forged between our fans and our team, strengthening a bond that will be vital to us re-establishing the club in the Premier League.”

Cooper’s managerial career includes a notable achievement of leading Nottingham Forest to promotion in 2022. Despite being dismissed in December 2023 with Forest facing relegation challenges, his foundational work set the stage for the club’s eventual survival under his successor, Nuno Espirito Santo.

Taking on his new role at Leicester, Cooper shared his excitement and pride. “I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City’s first-team manager,” he remarked. “This is a fantastic club with a rich history and passionate supporters. I am excited to work with such a talented squad and I’m looking forward to the challenge of achieving our shared ambitions in the Premier League.”

Cooper also acknowledged the recent successes of Leicester City, emphasizing his respect for the club’s achievements. “I congratulate the players and staff on the achievements of their promotion to the Premier League. Any person who loves football can only look with great respect upon how much this club has achieved in recent years. The Premier League title of 2016 and the FA Cup of 2021 have demonstrated what’s possible for a united club. As the new manager, I don’t take that legacy lightly. My job will be to build on those achievements and to bring everyone along – players, staff, and fans.”

Cooper’s era at Leicester City will commence with a high-stakes home game against Tottenham on August 19. This match will not only mark his debut as Leicester’s manager but also set the tone for what fans and analysts hope will be a successful campaign in England’s top-flight football.

As the club embarks on this new chapter under Cooper’s leadership, supporters are eager to see how his tactical acumen and player development skills will translate into results on the pitch. With a fresh managerial approach and a squad eager to prove itself in the Premier League, Leicester City aims to firmly re-establish its position among the footballing elite.