Why Steve Cooper and Middlesbrough FC are a perfect match - there are 3 obvious reasons | OneFootball

FLW take a look at three clear reasons why Cooper is the perfect fit for the Teesside club.

Middlesbrough have parted company with head coach Michael Carrick following a disappointing Championship season that saw them finish 10th.

Although reports suggest he won't be interested, Steve Cooper represents the ideal appointment for Boro.

The 45-year-old Welshman has been out of work since his sacking at Leicester City in November 2024 - but his proven track record in the Championship should entice Boro to sway his reported stance.

Perhaps the most compelling reason for Middlesbrough to pursue Cooper is the fact he guided Nottingham Forest to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2022.

What makes this particularly impressive is that Forest had been languishing in the Championship for over two decades before Cooper's arrival.

His promotion success in the East Midlands shows his ability to build a winning mentality and handle the pressure a promotion race brings - and at Boro he would inherit a squad that includes top-quality Championship performers like Finn Azaz, who contributed to 12 goals and 11 assists in 2024/2025.

Boro fans have endured eight seasons in the second-tier since their relegation in 2017, and you could argue Cooper is one of their best chances to go back up again.

One of Cooper's most notable achievements in youth development came as England U-17 head coach when he managed the likes of Phil Foden and Jaden Sancho to World Cup glory in 2017.

This knowledge would certainly be invaluable at Boro, where the club has shown commitment to developing young players and giving them first-team minutes - Hayden Hackney has been a mainstay in the side for the past three seasons.

Middlesbrough also boast a Category 1 academy system, which is the highest possible grade a football club can achieve for their academy in English football.

Boro have a long and consistent history of churning out quality, homegrown professional players, and with Cooper's track record of having success with some of England's finest young players, he should see this is being a really attractive component of the Middlesbrough job.

Cooper's style of play does focus heavily on attacking football and player development, which would help get the best out of Morgan Whittaker, who is yet to truly replicate his form from previous club Plymouth Argyle.

Yes, he'll need motivation to come to Boro if the reports that he's not interested are true, but Cooper's availability means no compensation would be needed to pay to secure his services.

Given how competitive the Championship is, having a manager in place early in the close season would definitely provide vital planning and preparation time.

The timing does appear to be somewhat perfect for both parties too. It's likely Cooper could be willing to return to management if persuaded, and his previous success creates the ideal scenario for Boro, who's current squad have an average age of 25.9.