The reaction around Steve Cooper’s exit at Nottingham Forest tells you plenty about the man Crystal Palace could turn to next.
For Forest fans, Cooper’s sacking cut short a love story, a two-year relationship that started at the bottom of the Championship and went on to create memories for life: the play-off final, beating Liverpool, and securing Premier League safety with victory over Arsenal.
They would chant his name to the very end, as they had done last season in more dire circumstances, but ultimately it was not their choice. You need only look at social media posts from some Forest players after Cooper’s exit to realise it was not their decision either.
“I learnt a lot under your guidance,” said Morgan Gibbs-White. “A good man that influenced thousands,” said Harry Toffolo. “Thank you for everything boss,” said Neco Williams.
“Thank you for trusting and believing in me. Glad we got to reunite. All the best for the future,” said Callum Hudson-Odoi.
“Thank you for helping me make my big dream come true and bringing out the best in me,” echoed Taiwo Awoniyi.
Cooper is evidently a sharp man manager, so crucial in the modern age. While devil’s advocate suggests it cannot have been entirely harmonious at the City Ground, Cooper was certainly given plenty to juggle – their 30 signings in 2022-23 already the stuff of Premier League legend.
Cooper’s persona means he retains his admirers at Forest and beyond, and despite the recent downturn – one win in 13 – prompting owner Evangelos Marinakis to hand Cooper his P45, the Welshman may only be out of work for a few weeks or months.
Over at Palace, Roy Hodgson’s job is not said to be under immediate threat, despite Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton taking their winless run to seven games. However, it is being widely reported that the Eagles could revive their interest in Cooper now that he is available with no strings (or compensation) attached.
It is understood that Cooper was interviewed for the role in the summer before Hodgson extended his stay, and with the 76-year-old’s contract expiring at the end of the season, this could be the natural replacement come May.
Of course, it could be sooner, and if there is any truth to these reports then Cooper may well be watching this Palace side with intent over the festive period.
What he may well witness is a side stuck in limbo, very much in keeping with their repeated mid-table finishes. They are a club in desperate need of a refresh.
With the fourth-oldest team in the Premier League – an average age of 26.5 – the natural cycle would be to blood in youth from the academy, a task Cooper would be well suited to overseeing.
His track record with younger players, most notably as England U17’s World Cup-winning coach in 2017, could be a boost for 19-year-old academy product Jack Wells-Morrison, the promising 20-year-old Malcolm Ebiowei, and even further elevate 22-year-old Michael Olise, already a vital cog of this Palace side.
Nevertheless, having painted this pretty picture there would certainly be some concerns, too. Cooper’s relationship with Marinakis is said to have broken down at Forest, so Palace chairman Steve Parish may want to delve deeper into the details before welcoming the prospect of a power struggle at Selhurst Park.
And then there is the matter of Forest’s recent results. After the win at Chelsea on 2 September, just one victory followed at home to Aston Villa, with the City Ground no longer the fortress it was last season. That it outlined by draws with Luton and Burnley there and a defeat to Everton.
Cooper ran out of luck, Awoniyi’s long-term injury proving a bitter blow, and then he ran out of time. Whether he is the man to take Palace into the top half of the table remains to be seen.
It could all depend on when Hodgson departs. If he is pushed soon, Cooper is ready and waiting, but if it is to be a summer exit then Palace may well have a wider pool to choose from.
Graham Potter is another likely candidate and he has also been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April. Yet Potter could be courted elsewhere; Manchester United, and more importantly Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are said to be admirers, making him the current favourite to replace Erik ten Hag.
Beyond Potter and Cooper, Palace’s potential other options are not entirely clear.
Paulo Fonseca was among the bookies’ favourites to replace Hodgson before the season started, but currently at Lille, the Portuguese coach is midway through a Europa League campaign, and he may therefore only entertain a move once that is over.
But it may not get to that. Palace are in a slumber, and while relegation is not an immediate threat, a change could be necessary – with Cooper the obvious pick.