Crystal Palace Targets Steve Cooper as Potential Managerial Successor
2 min read
Crystal Palace is eyeing Steve Cooper as their top candidate for the managerial role, with plans to approach the former Nottingham Forest manager. The news comes amid speculation that current manager Roy Hodgson may amicably part ways with the club in the near future.
Hodgson, 76, received a one-year contract extension in the offseason, following Cooper’s decision to turn down the opportunity to succeed the ex-England boss. However, with Cooper recently dismissed by Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and chairman Steve Parish are considering approaching him once again.
Unlike previous circumstances, the Eagles would not be required to pay compensation for Cooper, who was sacked on Tuesday after a strained relationship with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis reached a breaking point. Cooper’s recent track record included just one win in his last 13 Premier League games, leaving Nottingham Forest in 17th place after 17 games played.
Nuno Espirito Santo, the former Tottenham boss, has taken over at Nottingham Forest with a contract running until June 2026. Meanwhile, Hodgson, who returned to Palace at the end of the last season to secure their position and received a contract until the end of the 2023-24 campaign, is reportedly considering retirement due to dissatisfaction with rule changes and the impact of VAR on Premier League football.
Crystal Palace, currently without a win in their last six Premier League games and sitting in 15th place, will see Espirito Santo leading Nottingham Forest against Bournemouth on Saturday. Hodgson is expected to remain in charge for Palace’s upcoming match against Brighton on Thursday.
