Steve Cooper Returns Home: Former Forest Boss Takes Charge at Newport County
Welshman Steve Cooper takes over one of the few Welsh clubs in the English football pyramid.
Steve Cooper has returned to management for the first time since his departure from Nottingham Forest in late 2023, taking charge of Newport County ahead of the 2024–25 season. The appointment marks a compelling homecoming for one of Wales’ most respected modern coaches and signals a shift in long-term ambition for the Exiles.
After guiding Forest to promotion back to the Premier League and stabilising the club in the top flight, Cooper stepped away from frontline management for over a year. During that time he remained a sought-after figure in English football, but chose to wait for a project that aligned with his desire to build something lasting rather than chase short-term roles. Newport County have provided that opportunity: a club with identity, deep community ties, and the potential to grow beyond its current standing.
Cooper’s arrival is a major appointment for Newport. His track record in developing young players, implementing modern coaching structures, and establishing cohesive footballing identities at both Swansea City and Nottingham Forest gives the club a level of experience rarely seen in League Two. He is expected to take a long-term approach built around sustainable recruitment, academy pathways, and a style of play that mirrors his best work in Wales—structured, possession-oriented, and supportive of developing talent.
For Cooper, this move represents more than a managerial return; it is a chance to reconnect with Welsh football and help elevate a club rooted in the nation’s football landscape. For Newport, it marks the beginning of a new era defined by patience, development, and a broader vision of what the club can become. As the 2024–25 season begins, the Exiles enter with renewed optimism and one of the most accomplished managers in the league guiding their future
