Nottingham Forest: Evangelos Marinakis makes 'huge statement' at City Ground

Nottingham Forest giving Steve Cooper a new contract is an “incredible statement”, according to insider Dean Jones.

Cooper’s side slipped to the foot of the Premier League table after they were thumped by Midlands rivals Leicester on Monday, but Forest still decided to extend his stay at the City Ground.

Forest initially made a positive start on their return to the top-flight, collecting four points from their opening three games, which included a 1-0 victory over West Ham.

But since holding Everton to a 1-1 draw back in August, the Reds have lost every game, with the 4-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium their fifth on the bounce.

To make matters worse, Forest have conceded an incredible 18 goals during that period, meaning only Leicester (22) have now shipped more this season.

The defeat to the Foxes turned up the heat on Cooper, with his Forest side now rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.

Despite their dreadful form, Forest have stuck by Cooper, who’s made a huge amount of progress since his arrival last season.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s an incredible statement but also a pretty smart one – a decision that potentially brings everyone together.

“We all know he’s a great coach and now he has the chance to show it without uncertainty on him every game.”

If Cooper wants to turn Forest’s form around, he’ll have to do it the hard way.

That’s because they have a tricky fixture list until the end of October.

Following the Villa game, Forest travel to Wolves and then Brighton in a four-day period.

It’s then back to the City Ground for the visit of Liverpool, who they narrowly lost to back in March, before rounding off the month with a trip to leaders Arsenal.