Arsenal legend tipped for Premier League job as pressure mounts on current manager

Steve Cooper's job at Nottingham Forest could be hanging in the balance. Last night, the Tricky Trees were obliterated by a rampant Fulham outfit, losing by a wide score line of 5-0 - leaving many questioning if the Welshman is the right man for the role moving forward.

One of the names already being linked to the role, should Cooper be sacked, is Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira. It wouldn't be his first managerial job in the Premier League - he managed Crystal Palace from July 2021 to March 2023, when he was dismissed.

After the game against Fulham, Cooper said: "Of course we are disappointed in the results and particularly the one last night and the performance. I never split myself from the players, we are a collective. It was not about me getting let down, it was our supporters who were let down, but by all of us. That starts with me."

Who else is in the running for the Nottingham Forest job?

Currently, the possible favourite to assume the role at Forest appears to be Julen Lopetegui - his last job in the Premier League was at Wolves, who he led from November 2022 to August 2023. He has also managed Porto, Real Madrid and the Spanish national team in the past. The Guardian reports he is on Forest's radar as they consider a successor to Cooper, who is still expected to remain in charge against Wolves this weekend.

Additionally, Will Still is also thought to be in the mix. Still is a unique prospect in football management - his playing career was both limited and unremarkable, taking on his first head coaching job at the age of just 24. He now manages French side Reims - they are currently 5th in Ligue 1.

Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is also linked with the Forest job. He was undoubtedly a success at Brighton, but his stock took a hit after a disastrous spell with the Blues that lasted just under seven months. Additionally, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has also been mentioned as a possible contender.