Steve Cooper, Chris Wilder and John Terry emerge as frontrunners for Nottingham Forest job
- Sean Fisher
- 16 September 2021
Following their 2-0 loss to Middlesbrough on Wednesday night, Nottingham Forest parted ways with Chris Hughton and are now in search of a successor.
After managing to save Forest from the drop last season, things didn't go to plan for Hughton at the start of the 2021/22 campaign, and he's become the first manager in the Championship to get the sack.
Having now taken action to relieve Hughton of his managerial duties, Forest chiefs will be keen to quickly find a new man for the hot seat, and a few names have already emerged as frontrunners.
Steve Cooper
The former Swansea manager has taken an early lead as the favourite to replace Houghton after his mutual departure from the Welsh side last season.
Before leaving the Swans, Cooper took the club to consecutive play-offs, although ended up losing to Brentford on both occasions, most notably in the final last season.
The 41-year-old first made his name as a youth coach in the England set-up where he managed the Under-17s side that went on to win the World Cup in 2017.
Chris Wilder
Following his departure from the Blades back in March, the 53-year-old took a small break from management but looked set to take charge at West Brom before an eventual breakdown in negotiations.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wilder said: "I've worked at every level and I want to get back, of course I do. I've missed it."
Alex Neil
In Forest's recent 2-0 loss to Middlesbrough, former Preston North End manager Alex Neil was spotted in the stands at the City Ground, and his presence raised some eyebrows.
Despite not achieving promotion, Neil's Preston frequently challenged for the play-offs despite losing some of their best players. He also has a previous promotion already on his CV with Norwich City, so he could yet find his way into the hot seat at Forest.
Still a young manager, Neil has plenty of potential to grow. It's still yet to be seen whether he has the experience to save a club from relegation, but if given the chance he could excel at Nottingham.
John Terry
The latest ex-player linked with a managerial role is John Terry, who could well join former England teammate Wayne Rooney as a Championship manager this season.
After three years as assistant coach to Dean Smith at Aston Villa, Terry left his role this summer, indicating that he feels ready to embark on a new challenge.
After former teammate, Frank Lampard, enjoyed success in the Championship with Derby County, Terry will hope that his experience as assistant holds him in good stead for his next job, although it'll be a tough task at Forest.
With no experience as the main man, Terry will have to rely heavily on his playing experience at Chelsea and natural leadership to turn around Forest's fate.
It'd be a risk, and perhaps a surprise, but it'd be a huge chance for the 40-year-old to make his name in management, and an opportunity for Forest to experiment with a new and exciting manager.
Carlos Carvalhal
Having won the Taca De Portugal last season with Braga, Carvalhal may be tempted by a return to England to re-establish his reputation following the disappointment from his Premier League relegation.
