Forest in talks with Nuno after Cooper sacked

1. Nottingham Forest confirm sacking of manager Steve Cooper
2. Ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo in talks with Forest
3. Q&A: Chief football writer Phil McNulty answers your questions
4. Man City start Club World Cup campaign against Urawa Red Diamonds (18:00)
5. Everton host Fulham in Carabao Cup quarter-final (19:45 GMT)
6. League One side Port Vale face Middlesbrough (19:45)
7. Newcastle travel to Chelsea seeking spot in semi-finals (20:00)
8. Get involved: #bbcfootball, WhatsApp [phone], text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

That's all folks!

Thanks for joining us today and all of your input for our weekly Q&A with BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been greatly appreciated.

The main news is that Steve Cooper has been sacked as Nottingham Forest manager and the club are in talks with Nuno Espirito Santo to replace him.

We've heard from Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders and West Ham assistant Billy McKinlay before tomorrow's meeting between the two clubs in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup at Anfield.

There's plenty of action to enjoy tonight in the meantime, though.

You can follow live text coverage of three EFL Cup quarter-final ties here.

And click here for live text coverage of Manchester City's Club World Cup clash against Urawa Red Diamonds, which kicks off at 18:00 GMT.

For now, there's lots of content for you to enjoy on the football index and here are just a few of the highlights:

• Why full-backs will never be the same again
• Everything possible in WSL title race - Jill Roord
• Increase in 'serious' abuse of grassroots officials

Get Involved - 'Coops will always be a legend at the City Ground'

I do feel sorry for Cooper - I don't think he got a lot wrong. I think selling Brennan Johnson and the injury to Taiwo Awoniyi have been instrumental in his downfall. I understand the owner's decision but only time will tell if another coach can do anything with this squad... And yes, Coops will always be a legend at the City Ground. Maybe they'll bring him back for a second term if we go down!

Luke

Get Involved - Nuno to replace Cooper at Forest?

Sacking Steve Cooper may turn out to be a foolhardy decision. Cooper has built an amazing culture, one of mutual support and willingness. It has enabled the team to pull out of potential nosedives on more than one occasion. What if losing him sends us into that tailspin, direct to The Championship?

Rob in Maida Vale

Get Involved - Nuno to replace Cooper at Forest?

Dave Holmes: It pains me to say it but I was struggling to find a non-emotional reason to keep Cooper in charge. He’s the greatest manager in a generation at Forest but it’s been clear for a few weeks now that some kind of change is needed. Hopefully #NFFC get Wolves Nuno not Spurs Nuno…

AndyT: He did great at Wolves but flopped at Spurs. I'm not sure that many Forest fans would expect a better manager than this though.

Get Involved - Phil McNulty Q&A

Sam: Hi Phil, Is there any update on the Manchester United ownership saga, it feels like it is no closer to being finalised? Once it goes through, is a minority ownership going to resolve anything?

Phil: I think the deal for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to acquire 25% of Manchester United will be completed imminently but it does seem to drag doesn’t it?

It would appear that part of the deal is for Ratcliffe to take a large part of control of football matters so you have to assume he will have plans of his own to make big changes and we have already seen Richard Arnold leave his role as CEO.

It would not make sense for someone like Ratcliffe to make such a financial commitment without having cast-iron guarantees that he will get significant influence in return. There is certainly a lot to do.

Get Involved - Phil McNulty Q&A

Michael: Following the Ollie Watkins goal ‘celebration’ at Brentfotrd I noticed that players now seem to be celebrating in front of opposition fans more. Not sure this is a good thing given how passionate most fans are. Surely better to share the joy with your own fans?

Phil: I agree it is better to share joy with your own fans and I particularly dislike the finger up to the lips celebration in front of opposing fans but we have to remember that players are only human.

It certainly appears that in Ollie Watkins’ case he was receiving some sort of personal abuse from someone behind the goal at Brentford.

There is also a section of supporters, a minority I’m sure, who will give it out to players then take offence when they get a bit back. I don’t mind such celebrations so long as it’s not too inflammatory and may lead to trouble.

The perfect scenario is for a player to score and share celebrations with their own fans but it does not always pan out like that.

Get Involved - Phil McNulty Q&A

Peter: I don't want to be too critical of Eddie Howe, but is there a chance that at least some of the injuries affecting his team are a result of the intensity he demands from his players? Their desire is great, but maybe it comes at a cost.

Phil: Hi Peter. I’ve heard a few people say this and Eddie Howe certainly expects total commitment and intensity from his players. He is not alone there, though, and I am sure he is getting the best advice on his players’ fitness and acting upon it.

You look at the injuries suffered by Dan Burn and Nick Pope recently and they were freakish, unavoidable incidents not the result of over-work.

Get Involved - Phil McNulty Q&A

Keith, Formby: Hi Phil, do you think Jurgen Klopp will get funds in January to strengthen and push for the title. FSG have spent a lot of money at the Red Sox recently and are hoping to set up a basketball team. Do you think Liverpool will suffer as a result of this?

Phil: I think if Jurgen Klopp feels he needs funds in January then I would hope FSG would do their best to provide them. I cannot believe they would sell a manager of his stature short or fail to act on his advice, especially given their current incredibly promising position.

He may well be looking in the central defensive area but Klopp will also know January is not the best time for value for money. It’s a tricky market.

Think we have to apply the principle that Jurgen Klopp knows what is needed, will tell the owners and they will then do everything they can to give him what he wants.

We'll be wrapping up shortly with more on the Forest news, but first let's finish off the last of chief football writer Phil McNulty's answers to your questions.

Get Involved - Will Cooper be a wanted man?

Andy: Now watch several Championship clubs hastily arranging board meetings to discuss managerial positions following Steve Cooper's sudden availability.

Get Involved - 'Cooper gave everything'

Cooper gave everything to this club and the fans and clearly loved the city. Nuno? Feels like he's hardly an improvement on Cooper and instead doesn't even have the love of the fans on his side. What can Cooper have done when our keepers let in howlers and set-pieces can't get past the first man.

Nick, Cambridge

'Steve will forever be welcome at the City Ground'

Nottingham Forest

More from Nottingham Forest: Cooper departs The City Ground having played an integral part in Forest’s return to the Premier League, cementing himself firmly into the Club’s rich history after guiding The Reds back into England’s top-flight.

Appointed as head coach in September 2021, Steve galvanised Forest’s extraordinary rise up the Championship table and into the play-offs, culminating in a memorable win over Huddersfield Town at Wembley Stadium in May 2022. He then went on to manage the team for 55 matches in the Premier League.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis said: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest would like to thank Steve for his superb contribution to our football club. His achievement in guiding Forest back to the Premier League will undoubtedly remain an iconic moment in the Club’s history.

“We thank Steve for his dedication and commitment during his time with us, as well as the incredible connection he forged with our supporters and the city of Nottingham.

“Steve will always remain a friend of the Club and will forever be welcome at The City Ground. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”

How the table stands

Cooper leaves Nottingham Forest one place above the relegation zone.

They lie in 17th place with 13 points from 17 games.

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BreakingForest confirm Cooper exit

Nottingham Forest

Getty Images

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the departure of Steve Cooper.

Statement: Steve Cooper has today been relieved of his duties as head coach of Nottingham Forest, following a spell of over two years in charge….

The Club will make a further announcement on the appointment of a new head coach in due course.

Get Involved - 'Feel for Cooper but it is fair enough'

I feel for Cooper, but I think it's probably fair enough. 14 points from 17 games, only 3 wins and 3 clean sheets. Also, with players like Origi, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Wood, Elanga and Awoniyi, to only be averaging a goal per game just isn't good enough.

Nick, Surrey

Get Involved - 'Gutted'

Gutted for Steve Cooper. He did an amazing job in getting us promoted, and in keeping us up last season. But all the money spent, and we're still not delivering. Unfortunately Mr Marinakis had no choice! Thank you Cooper

Andy G

Get Involved - Phil McNulty Q&A

Barry, Bournemouth: Phil, Everton have appealed against the 10-point deduction. Given their current form and financial situation, what do you think the best long-term outcome from that appeal would be? Would you trade some points for a large fine or transfer embargo and hope to get into Europe, or given the paucity of their squad, would you settle for a reduction in the points penalty in the hope that they can kick on next year with fresh investment and maybe some squad additions?

Phil: I think the best outcome for Everton would be a reduction in the points deduction on appeal – which may well happen although I do not see a large portion of that penalty being removed.

The fact you are even talking about Everton getting into Europe is testimony to the work manager Sean Dyche has done. He has transformed the attitude of that squad and there is no doubt the Premier League punishment has galvanised the club on and off the pitch, giving Everton a unity they have not had for some time.

If they keep their current form going and get a few of those points back who knows? What we can say is that there is a real mood of optimism, confidence and defiance at Everton.

Get Involved - Phil McNulty Q&A

Sp Sōft: Which club do you think will win Premier League this season?

Phil: Now this is an increasingly tricky one isn’t it?

My pre-season prediction was Manchester City and I will stick with that but I think we’re going to see a real title race this season with Arsenal and Liverpool in contention. We may just have a better idea after the game between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.

And what about Aston Villa? They will, rightly, feel they are in the mix. They have been outstanding.

Get Involved - Nuno to replace Cooper at Forest?

I’m 100% behind Cooper, the problem isn’t the manager it’s a lack of quality and cover in key positions (striker/keeper). Any manager coming in will have the same issues.

Anon

Get Involved - 'Cooper only has himself to blame'

Spudlud: Steve Cooper only has himself to blame. If after 18 months you still can’t find a first 8/9 on the team sheet let alone a settled 11, then you’re in trouble.