Michael Dawson has expressed his feelings about Nottingham Forest’s decision to sack Steve Cooper after over two years in charge at the City Ground.
Cooper was sacked on Tuesday and was replaced by former Wolves and Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The decision has split opinion, particularly among Forest fans.
Michael Dawson, who started and finished his career at Forest, has shared his thoughts on the decision, admitting he feels disappointed for Cooper.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Dawson said, “I’m so disappointed for Steve Cooper and those Nottingham Forest fans because of the love they have for him and [because they] realise what he’s done for the football club.
“You’ve got to remember when he went in there, they were in a relegation fight in the Championship, and they ended up getting promotion through the play-offs. He did the unthinkable.
“It was a miracle what he did. And last year, everyone had the odds that they were going to get relegated. However, they defied that, and they stayed up.
“He had to deal with a lot: 42 players coming through the door since that promotion day at Wembley when they beat Huddersfield. He’s had a lot to deal with.”
Dawson continued, “The owners probably see a vision where they see the football club looking for a top-ten finish. That’s way beyond what they should expect at this moment in time, in my opinion.
“I have nothing but credit for what Steve Cooper’s done at that football club, and he’ll be loved by every Nottingham Forest fan.
“It was a sad day to see when he got sacked yesterday, but when you only have one win in 13, you know you’re going to become under scrutiny.”
🗣️ "The owners probably see a vision where they see the football club looking for a top ten finish, that's way beyond what they should expect at this moment in time"
Michael Dawson says he is "so disappointed" to see Steve Cooper get sacked by Nottingham Forest 🔴 pic.twitter.com/t1cfn7TYBT
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 20, 2023
Espirito Santo’s first match back in a Premier League dugout will be at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, before they travel to Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Just five points above the relegation zone, Santo will be hoping to turn the Garibaldis’ fortunes around and secure their safety in the English top flight.
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