Two players who parted out with Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest contribute to FA Cup shock.
Nuno Espirito Santo has not only stabilized the ship, but firmly placed it in cruise control, propelling Forest to the next level in the Premier League.
Forest struggled in their first two seasons back in the top division. In 2022/23, Steve Cooper overcame the odds with 30 new players to propel the Reds to safety in the final six weeks of the season.
Cooper was fired in December of last season, and Espirito Santo only officially ensured Premier League safety on the penultimate day of the season with a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor.
Cooper did not always enjoy the same privileges that Espirito Santo did. He worked with larger squads, and the current Forest head coach has worked hard to create a much smaller, more streamlined group, and the team is thriving as a result.
Burnley are now thriving in the league and cup, thanks to the presence of two players who did not always appeal to the former Forest manager.
Two players who fell out with Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest play for Burnley.
The Clarets are an intriguing team this season. They have the most goalless draws of any team in the country, but have only conceded nine goals in the Championship this season and are presently in the FA Cup’s final 16.
Scott Parker announced the alterations for his team’s trip to Southampton on Saturday. In truth, the Saints have struggled this season, going winless in the Premier League, and with Burnley flying, a cup upset was always a possibility.
The two players guided Burnley to a stunning 1-0 victory and a place in the FA Cup’s last 16. Worrall unexpectedly fell out with Cooper after being dropped from the club last season and was sold to the Clarets in August.
Shelvey was generally ineffectual for Forest. He was always an odd signing, so it came as no surprise when he was demoted to the B-Team after only a few outings.
Worrall will always be remembered by Forest fans.
Whatever fans think of Worrall as a Premier League player, he will be remembered for the right reasons at Forest, having made 226 appearances for the club he grew up adoring as a child.
For all the world, he appeared to be a natural Premier League player and captain; but, the top level just caught him off guard when it came to the pace necessary.
Worrall appeared 37 times for the Reds in the top league. However, he never completely established himself on the team, and it always seemed as if stronger players were waiting in the wings to take his place.
That being said, he remains the guy who led the club to play-off glory, and with Burnley in a different division than Forest, there is nothing wrong with wishing the player all the best as he seeks to become a first-team regular with Burnley.
