Steve Cooper was fired by Nottingham Forest in December and has now declined the opportunity to return to management.
The 44-year-old was fired after a poor run of form and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo.
Previously, Crystal Palace had been connected with a move for Cooper, but they have now struck gold with Oliver Glasner.
Cooper appears to be very picky about his next employment, since he has already turned down the opportunity to return to work in the EFL.
Steve Cooper declines chance to take over at Norwich City
Last week, the Canaries were thrashed by Leeds United in the second leg of their play-off semi-final, prompting David Wagner’s dismissal.
According to The Sun, they approached Cooper for the managing role, but he declined.
This may come as a surprise given the manager’s impressive Championship record.
Cooper guided Swansea to back-to-back play-off appearances, losing in the semi-finals and final.
Cooper led Forest from the Championship’s relegation zone to the Premier League on his third attempt.
Cooper maintained the team in the league during its first season back in the top tier, earning a spot in the 2023/24 season.
Cooper holds out for a Premier League position.
Forest fans will be eternally grateful for Cooper’s work at Forest.
However, it was time to leave, and it appears that the manager is enjoying his time away from football at the moment.
Given his decision to reject Norwich, it appears that he is waiting for a Premier League opportunity to open up.
That might not sound unrealistic, but his time with Forest in the Premier League does not provide him a good recommendation.
Although Cooper kept the team in the top tier, Forest only won once in over 13 Premier League games on three occasions.
Still, he is a good coach, and his reputation may give him a chance in the Premier League.
With Cooper rejecting one of the EFL’s premier teams, it will be interesting to watch where the dismissed Forest manager ends up.
