By David Williams
Steve Cooper’s surprise sacking by Leicester City at the weekend means there are currently no Welsh managers left working in the Premier League.
Cooper had been flying the flag for Wales in the top flight after the dismissal last year of Nathan Jones by Southampton and the relegation suffered last season by Luton Town with Rob Edwards at the helm.
But Cooper – who could now be replaced by another former Swansea City manager in Graham Potter – was left blindsided by his forced departure on Sunday.
The former age group World Cup winner with England U17s was relieved of his position following a 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
We have parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect.
— Leicester City (@LCFC) November 24, 2024
It looked a harsh judgement after just a dozen league matches in charge and with the club still above the drop zone.
But Cooper, who took charge during the summer after replacing Enzo Maresca, departs after a challenging run that leaves the club hovering just two points above the relegation zone, with only two wins in 12 matches.
The club also confirmed the exits of assistant manager Alan Tate and first-team coach and analyst Steve Rands.
A club statement expressed gratitude for their efforts, saying:
“Leicester City Football Club has parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect. Assistant Manager Alan Tate and First Team Coach and Analyst Steve Rands have also left the Club.
“Steve, Alan and Steve depart with our thanks for their contribution during their time with the Club and with our best wishes for the future.”
Graham Potter is one of Leicester’s candidates to replace Steve Cooper as head coach.
(Source: @GraemeBailey ) pic.twitter.com/sRgDWhnDWA
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 24, 2024
In the interim, first-team coach Ben Dawson will oversee training, supported by Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the club works to quickly appoint a new manager.
Leicester hope to finalise this process swiftly, ideally before their upcoming match against Brentford on Saturday.
Leicester’s decision marks a departure from the owners’, the Srivaddhanaprabha family, usual managerial patience.
While they stuck with Brendan Rodgers throughout the turbulent 2022-23 season, which ultimately ended in relegation, the club’s hierarchy have acted quickly this time in order to to try and avoid another relegation battle.
Cooper’s coaching and style of play reportedly caused friction with players, especially following the team’s promotion last season under Enzo Maresca’s more expansive tactics.
Saturday’s loss to Chelsea, managed by former Leicester boss Maresca, was seen as the tipping point.
Leicester struggled throughout the match, with their sole goal coming in added time. This extended their winless run to four league games.
Cooper, reflecting on the challenge he faced, had said last Friday: “I knew how hard this challenge was going to be on and off the pitch this year. It has proven to be exactly that.
“We’re fully aware of the environment we’re in. The league position is okay and if it stayed like this, a lot of people would be satisfied, but I want more.”
Cooper’s dismissal underscores that the owners expected more and did not view him as the man to deliver it.
The former Swans and Nottingham Forest manager struggled to win over fans, strangely partly due to his past ties with Forest .
Before appointing Cooper on a three-year contract, Leicester had considered other candidates, including former Brighton and Chelsea manager Potter and West Brom head coach Carlos Corberán.
With Cooper now gone, Ruud van Nistelrooy has reportedly expressed interest in the role as he looks to secure a managerial position after leaving Manchester United.
