‘This is the time to believe more than ever’ – Cooper speaks of Forest belief going into final stretch

The Welshman was asked about the public show of support from the owner and the response from the Forest supporters.

“I’m in constant dialogue with the owner. There was nothing in there that was a surprise to me. The club were annoyed at some articles that had been written nights before games and on matchdays and I think they wanted to put an end to that.”

Marinakis’ statement was received well by Forest fans, and Cooper made no bones about how appreciative he is of the love from the Garibaldi faithful.

“I’m humbled and grateful to the supporters and there will probably be a better time to talk about what it really means to me because I don’t like too much to be talked about me.

“The overriding feeling I get is just work even harder, be even more motivated and just do whatever it takes to achieve and not let these people down, because that is how I feel.

“I’m so proud to work for this club. It increases every single day. I feel honoured and privileged to manage the club the here at The City Ground, try and represent it well when we’re on our travels and to stand up for the values and principles that have been here a long while now.”

With continuing questions about his side’s away form, Cooper spoke of the need for belief at the club as they face a season defining final stretch, starting with Aston Vills this weekend.

“The biggest thing we’ve done here in the last 18 months or so is build belief. Build belief in our club, build belief in our city, build belief in our team, in the way we work, in the relationships with each other.

“This is the time to believe more than ever.”

With Marinakis establishing stability for the remainder of the season, Cooper is looking to channel the belief he and his staff have garnered in their tenure at the club and steer Forest away from relegation.

“Belief is the key. Belief in ourselves, belief in each other, belief in what we do snd the club that we play and work for. That will help us achieve what we want to achieve. We are in a fight with a big group and we’ve got to back ourselves to be at the top of that group.”