Head coach Steve Cooper thanked Nottingham Forest supporters for sticking with him in the tough times as Premier League survival was secured.
The Reds’ 1-0 victory over Arsenal, thanks to Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal, clinched top-flight safety with a game to spare. And it vindicated owner Evangelos Marinakis’ decision not to pull the trigger, as other sides in the relegation battle have done.
Cooper’s position has twice come under scrutiny this season, when Forest went on poor runs. But he has always retained the backing of the overwhelming majority of the fanbase.
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And as well as showing their support for the manager, the crowd have played a crucial role in helping get the team over the line. The atmosphere at the City Ground was incredible once again as the hosts got the job done.
“I, and my family, will be in debt to these supporters forever,” Cooper said. “What they have given me this year, in an era of always wanting change and with no patience - not just in football - our supporters have been the complete opposite.
“They have actually been the best with me in the most difficult times. That takes some doing.
“The whole sense of being part of something where you are wanted and feel like you belong is such a powerful feeling within. That’s why I was desperate to be the best I could be after a loss or after a few weeks without winning.
“The supporters have really set the standard for how to support a team. You’ll never give up on your club, because that’s what being a football supporter is, but sometimes you can give up on a moment or give up on something.
“Even when they’ve not agreed with some of the decisions I’ve made - and that’s their prerogative and it’s inevitable that you get some things wrong - they have never shown it. My family and I will be in debt to these supporters forever.”
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