Forest owner gives Cooper dreaded vote of confidence amid sacking reports

Under-fire Nottingham Forest chief Steve Cooper has been given a stay of execution.

It has been suggested the Welshman is set to become the unlucky 13th Premier League manager to be axed this season after last night's 2-1 defeat to relegation rivals Leeds.

But owner Evangelos Marinakis has spoken out in support of Cooper, 43, in a statement.

He said: "No one denies that our club is in a difficult position in the Premier League, but we wish to end the speculation and the false and disruptive reporting in the media to confirm that Steve Cooper remains our manager at Nottingham Forest. 

"We have all been disappointed with recent performances and it is very clear that a lot of hard work needs to be done to address this urgently. Results and performances must improve immediately. 

"Now is the time for everyone connected with our club, from us as owners, to the board, our supporters, backroom staff, coaches and players — to come together and fight to secure our status in the Premier League. 

"There can be no time for distractions, rumours and speculation. There is only time for hard work, determination, a commitment from Steve and the players to getting the results we need and, of course, the continued magnificent support of the fans of Nottingham Forest."

Forest, who have signed 30 players this season, are on an eight-game winless run that has dragged them into the middle of a relegation battle.

They sit 17th in the table but are only above Bournemouth on goal difference in a nine-team scrap to avoid the drop.