The newly promoted Premier League team Leicester City announced on Thursday that Steve Cooper, the former manager of Nottingham Forest, has been named their new manager.

In advance of the 2024–2025 Premier League season, Leicester City Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Cooper as our new first team manager. The club released a statement saying, "Steve, 44, has agreed to a three-year contract."

Cooper takes over for Enzo Maresca, who left earlier this month to take a position at Chelsea.


After just one season in the Championship, Maresca, 44, had led Leicester, the 2016 Premier League winners, back to the Premier League.

"We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester City," said Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha in a statement.

"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 led Forest to promotion in 2022, but with the team mired in relegation, he was fired in December 2023. After all, they continued to play in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo, their new manager.

"I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City's First Team Manager," said Welshman Cooper.

"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."