Head coach Steve Cooper has spoken about the importance of ensuring Nottingham Forest fans continue to have a team to be proud of as he prepares for Sunday’s promotion decider.
The Welshman has taken the Reds from bottom of the table when he arrived last September to within 90 minutes of the Premier League. During that time he has also created a sense of unity and struck up a tangible rapport with supporters.
Those fans will get the chance to watch their team at the new Wembley Stadium for the first time this weekend, with Huddersfield Town the opponents in the play-offs final. And Cooper is eager to give the Forest contingent a day out to remember.
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Forest approach
Head coach Steve Cooper has told his Nottingham Forest players not to forget the approach which booked their spot at Wembley in the first place, as they target promotion.
The Reds have the Premier League in their sights as they prepare to take on Huddersfield Town in the Championship play-offs final on Sunday (4.30pm kick-off). They are 90 minutes away from ending the club’s 23-year exile from the top-flight.
And having gone from rock-bottom when he came in, to a fourth-placed finish in the table, Cooper doesn’t want to change anything now. He wants Forest to stick with the identity which has taken them this far.
“If there was one way of playing well and winning at Wembley, we’d all be doing it. But unfortunately nobody has found that way yet,” said the Reds boss.
Bielsa influence
Former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has been helping Huddersfield Town prepare for the Championship play-off final against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The legendary Argentine coach has been analysing Steve Cooper 's side with Huddersfield boss Carlos Corberan, who was part of Bielsa's coaching staff at Elland Road before taking the Terriers job.
Corberan, who revealed Bielsa had watched his side’s semi-final win against Luton, said: “The best advice that he gave me is to have analysed the ( Forest ) team with me over the past few weeks. Sometimes as a coach you cannot give any particular advice. I was learning a lot after having two years with him, facing a similar situation.
"It’s not with words. I’ve learned a lot from Marcelo with his behaviours and it’s true in some moments we talk about the team, how we see things, the players, the levels. That’s all, but it’s a lot.
Contract call
Nottingham Forest have been urged to tie down head coach Steve Cooper to a new contract, to help ward off any potential suitors.
The Welshman is 90 minutes away from guiding the Reds back to the top-flight after a 23-year absence. They take on Huddersfield Town at Wembley on Sunday with a place in the Premier League up for grabs.
It marks the climax to an incredible season, with Forest having been bottom of the Championship when Cooper arrived last September. He penned a two-year deal at the time, and with the transformation he has overseen at the City Ground garnering plenty of attention, former Reds goalkeeper Mark Crossley says the club must make sure they don’t lose him - whatever happens at the weekend.
“Give him 10 years! He obviously knows what he’s doing,” he told NottinghamshireLive.
