Leicester appoint Steve Cooper as Enzo Maresca replacement after Graham Potter talks break down
Steve Cooper has been named as the new Leicester manager, the club have confirmed.
Cooper has penned a three-year contract at the King Power Stadium and will lead the club as they return to the Premier League this season.
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His first match in charge will be at home to Tottenham on Monday, August 19 - live on talkSPORT.
Cooper's last role was with Leicester's east Midlands rivals, Nottingham Forest, where he spent over two years before being sacked in December last year.
But despite that, the 44-year-old is keen to get started with the newly-promoted side.
In an open letter to fans, Cooper said: "I am very proud to be joining a club with a rich history, and I want first of all to thank Khun Top for the opportunity to manage Leicester City. I recognise I am joining a group of people who love this Club and want the very best for it.
"I congratulate the players and staff on the achievements of their promotion to the Premier League. I know how hard that is. Any person who loves football can only look with great respect upon how much this club has achieved in recent years. The Premier League title of 2016 and the FA Cup of 2021 have demonstrated what’s possible for a united club. As the new manager, I don’t take that legacy lightly. My job will be to build on those achievements and to bring everyone along – players, staff and fans. Great challenges lie ahead but I get the feeling that Leicester thrives in these moments. I know we will be ready.
"The work starts now on building towards a successful Premier League season. Our aim is to once again make Leicester City an established Premier League club, and one that can look forward to the future with pride and ambition. To do that we have to show to our fans that we are ready to adapt to the new level after a season in the Championship. I know that my experience will be valuable in helping that evolution, with an excellent group of players working from one of the best training grounds in the world.
"As staff and players, it is important we play with a style that the Leicester support recognise as the very best of their club. The support of the fans will be fundamental and I am looking forward to meeting many of you over the summer.
"This club has a distinct identity and attracts a great deal of respect for what it has achieved. That has been done through the dedication of the owners and the hard work of the players and the people here.
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"I take the faith the club have placed in me very seriously and am committed to immersing myself in what the Club and community stands for ensuring we have success together."
Leicester have been looking for a new boss since Enzo Maresca opted to leave the club for the head coach's job at Chelsea.
Former Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce admits he would be open to the vacant managerial job at Leicester City after Enzo Maresca's departure to Chelsea
The Foxes believed that they were close to appointing Graham Potter as their new manager after striking a verbal agreement with the former Chelsea and Brighton boss.
However, talks stalled and they turned their attention to Cooper.
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They had also targeted West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, but would have had needed to pay compensation to release him from his deal at The Hawthorns.
As a result, Cooper takes charge and will face the tricky task of stopping Leicester from an immediate return back to the EFL.