Morgan Gibbs-White has admitted Nottingham Forest's playing squad are delighted that Steve Cooper has signed a new deal at the City Ground ahead of Monday night's vital match against Aston Villa.
Rumours had begun to circulate in the aftermath of Forest's 4-0 loss at Leicester that the club's hierarchy were considering a change in management, following five consecutive Premier League defeats.
In a bold demonstration of faith, however, it was announced that Cooper had signed a new contract to remain in the East Midlands until 2025.
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And despite signing 22 players in a summer spending spree, Gibbs-White's comments suggest the Welshman retains unwavering support amongst the playing squad. "Everyone's delighted because everyone here loves the manager," the former Wolves star said.
"He's a really nice guy, a top guy and it's a real stepping stone for him and the team because it shows the owners believe in him. Things obviously haven't gone our way in the early stages of the season but bringing 22 players in is always going to be hard.
"It's a nice feeling because we all like him, we all trust him and we all believe in him and his way of playing. It's better for us to know that his job is safe and secure so we can kick on and try to get those three points on Monday
"He was massive in me coming here, I have worked with him a lot throughout my career so far and enjoy playing under him. I feel that he brings the best out of me and knows how I want to play."
The 22-year-old also believes that such news could have a galvanising impact on the Forest squad as they look to secure a much-needed win when hosting Steven Gerrard's side.
"Yeah definitely (it could galvanise the team), because it shows that the owner believe in him. It's the owner's club at the end of the day, we play for them, we play for the manager and we play for the team so we all want to buy into what everyone is doing.
"So him staying here and being around us is really good for the group, I believe. He's motivating us every day to get the best out of us so we've just got to go into Monday now and get the three points."
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