£200m and 30 new contracts: Evangelos Marinakis finds out if faith in Steve Cooper was justified

Steve Cooper looks like he'll last this season in the Les dugout — can he handle them? Photo: Reuters/Molly Darlington.

Steve Cooper is easing off pressure from management by running and is set to cover the distance at Nottingham Forest this season.

Cooper has spent most of the campaign his work under scrutiny , and he's gearing up for four decisive matches as Forest tries to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Forest will face relegated side Southampton on Monday night, with Cooper in contention for a second straight season in the Premier League. top flight.

Returning to the Premier League after a 23-year absence has been difficult and hectic, but Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of the club, has so far defied his unwanted reputation to keep Cooper. charging.

There have been 15 top manager departures this season, with Forest and West Ham United being the only clubs in the bottom half that haven't made any changes.

Marinakis may have hesitated a few times — and was angry after defeat at Brentford last weekend, but those closest to the Greek businessman remain irritated that his patience has not been widely recognized.

In October, after a heavy defeat at Leicester City, the future Cooper seemed uncertain before he signed a new contract.

Last month, Marinakis issued a public statement in support of the Welshman, but warned that «outcomes must improve immediately.»

Marinakis has invested almost £200m in transfers this season and while recruitment remains a contentious issue, after 30 new signings, he believes his financial backing should help him achieve better results.

The owner of the forest, Evangelos Marinakis, believes that his financial support should help to achieve better results. Credit: PA/Richard Sellers

It's been a challenging environment for Cooper, but he has largely retained the support of the club's supporters.

With so many newcomers, an alarming number of injuries and a World Cup hiatus that halted Forest's development , Cooper believes his first season as Premier League manager was unique.

Cooper meets Southampton with a club that still has the ability to ensure survival, and he insists that the spirit of the team has defined their season.

"What has been an absolute constant is unity between the players and the training ground staff,” he said.

"We have never once allowed anything outside of this group to interfere with who we are as a group and what we are trying to do .

«It's easy to show yourself in a good light when you're winning games and it was really important for me to stand up and be accounted for in difficult times because I think that's what a true leader does.< /p>

“I liked it all — not the results, of course — but I liked playing for Nottingham Forest. It will continue until the very end.

«We have to use the importance of Monday's match as a real motivation and a real desire, while at the same time really focusing on what it takes to achieve what we want.»

Wales international Brennan Johnson and £16m midfielder Danilo are expected to recover from minor injuries and play on Monday night.