Derby County fans have their say on appointing former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.

Former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has been out of job since his brief stint at Leicester City, but he might possibly return to management with Forest’s main rivals.

Cooper was fired by Forest in December 2023, as the club faced relegation from the Premier League. The appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo proved successful.

Although initially sympathetic to the Welsh coach, Stuart Pearce praised Espirito Santo’s selection as a masterstroke, despite some doubts over Cooper’s dismissal.

Espirito Santo’s success at Forest has had a negative impact on Cooper’s reputation, as seen by Chris Wood’s subtle criticism of Cooper’s exceptional performance at the City Ground this season.

Cooper’s legacy at Forest may be jeopardized if he takes over as manager of Derby County, after Paul Warne’s dismissal.

Derby County fans react to Steve Cooper being connected with the management post.

Cooper’s success in promoting Forest to the Premier League has made him a top candidate for any Championship post, including the Derby one.

Derby supporters appear to be excited at the prospect of Cooper taking over the dugout at Pride Park, with many rushing to social media to express their thoughts.

One Derby fan stated, “Steve Cooper should absolutely be our first choice if he’s interested.” Another fan said, “Steve Cooper would keep us going, but I’m not sure how fans would feel about him.”

More Derby supporters continued to support Cooper’s hiring, with one saying, “Steve Cooper is the best manager out there that we can get,” and another adding, “Steve Cooper would be my pick.”

One Derby fan heartily supported the notion, stating, “Go get Steve Cooper. “Give him anything.” Another person agreed, saying, “Steve Cooper would be a good decision.”

Cooper is not the first manager to manage both rival clubs, as Forest icon Brian Clough did it during his coaching career.

Brian Clough managed Nottingham Forest and Derby County.

Cooper’s image at the City Ground may not be too harmed, considering he had achieved success at rival club Derby before winning consecutive European Cups with Forest.

Clough led Derby to the First Division title for the first time in the club’s 88-year existence in 1971-72, before departing in October 1973 due to a long-running disagreement with the Derby board.

The renowned manager would subsequently join Forest in 1975, duplicating his solitary First Division title at Derby while also adding astonishing consecutive European Cup wins in 1978/79 and 1979/80.

Forest supporters expressed sympathy for Cooper after his departure from Leicester, demonstrating their support for him regardless of his role as Forest manager. If the Welshman were to take up the Derby job, he would most certainly keep his admiration, as Clough did.

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