Spurs, Fulham and Crystal Palace rivals confirm huge news ahead of early Premier League clashes

By Toby Bryant
Published 20th Jun 2024, 11:43 BST
Leicester City have appointed Steve Cooper as manager.Leicester City have appointed Steve Cooper as manager.
Leicester City have appointed Steve Cooper as manager. | Wolves via Getty Images
Leicester City have confirmed a replacement for Enzo Maresca after the manager joined Chelsea this summer.

Fulham, West Ham and Crystal Palace rivals Leicester City have appointed Steve Cooper as the club's new manager on their return to the Premier League.

The Foxes were led back to the top flight on the first time of asking by Enzo Maresca, who left his post among Pep Guardiola's Manchester City coaching staff to complete a move to the King Power Stadium last summer. Leicester City finished top of the Championship last season with 97 points, one point ahead of Ipswich Town in second place, securing automatic promotion.

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Maresca has since jumped ship to join London club Chelsea in place of Mauricio Pochettino, leaving the newly-promoted side in search for a head coach. Former Blues and Brighton man Graham Potter had been linked with the role, as too had West Brom boss Carlos Corberan.

However, it is former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper who has landed the role, as confirmed by Leicester City on Thursday morning. The 44-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Forest in December 2023, being replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo, who narrowly managed to avoid relegation with the side.

Cooper has signed a three-year contract with Leicester City as first team players prepare to return for pre-season next month. He told the club: “I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City’s First Team Manager. This is a fantastic Club with a rich history and passionate supporters. I am excited to work with such a talented squad and I’m looking forward to the challenge of achieving our shared ambitions in the Premier League.”

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Tottenham Hotspur open the season against Leicester City.Tottenham Hotspur open the season against Leicester City.
Tottenham Hotspur open the season against Leicester City. | Getty Images

The managerial news is of significance to London sides Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Crystal Palace in particular with all three clubs taking on the Foxes in the first four Gameweeks of the season. Spurs open their Premier League campaign against Leicester City on Monday, August 19 with an 8 pm kick-off.

The Foxes then travel to Craven Cottage the following weekend with a trip to Selhurst Park in the diary for mid-September.

Related topics:Steve CooperLeicester CityEnzo MarescaCrystal PalaceFulhamWest HamChelsea

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