Socceroo Harry Souttar will be hoping for a fresh start to his club career after Premier League side Leicester City appointed Steve Cooper to their vacant manager’s role.
Cooper, out of work since leaving Nottingham Forest in December, has been handed a three-year contract to succeed Enzo Maresca at the King Power Stadium.
Maresca left the Foxes after delivering promotion to the Premier League to take over at Chelsea following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure at the end of the season.
Cooper, 44, has been biding his time to get back into work following an emotional exit from the City Ground, where he guided Forest back into the top flight for the first time in 23 years and then kept them there.
“I am very proud to be joining a club with a rich history,” he wrote in an open letter to Leicester’s fans.
“I congratulate the players and staff on the achievements of their promotion to the Premier League. I know how hard that is.
“Any person who loves football can only look with great respect upon how much this club has achieved in recent years.
“The Premier League title of 2016 and the FA Cup of 2021 have demonstrated what’s possible for a united club.
“As the new manager, I don’t take that legacy lightly.”
Souttar will hope the arrival of a new manager will boost his chances of a return to the first team.
Despite remaining a regular for Graham Arnold’s Socceroos, the towering central defender featured just three times in the league for Leicester last season as they won the Championship.
The Leicester job will not be without its challenges for Cooper, on and off the field.
The Foxes have a possible points-deduction hanging over them and may also need to sell players to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Cooper’s reign will begin with a home game against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, who were also the opponents for his final game in charge of Forest.
He will return to the City Ground in May.
“We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester City,” Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said.
“His vision for the team, including his ability to develop players and implement a dynamic style of play, is very much aligned with our aspirations for the club.”
– with AAP
https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/new-manager-appointed-at-harry-souttars-leicester-c-15088761
