Cooper weighing up Forest captaincy as Lewis departs
WORRALL IS THE ‘OBVIOUS FRONT-RUNNER’ FOR ROLE
HEAD coach Steve Cooper says he has yet to decide who will be Nottingham Forest captain for the coming season.
Lewis Grabban wore the armband last term, with Cooper valuing the experienced striker’s role on and off the pitch as he was a key presence in the dressing room. But the 34-yearold confirmed his departure from the City Ground last week, having been unable to agree a new contract with the club.
That leaves a vacancy to be filled ahead of the Reds’ return to the Premier League. As vice-captain, defender Joe Worrall skippered the side when Grabban was sidelined with injury, and has led the team out in their three friendlies so far this summer.
The academy graduate was part of a leadership group which Cooper placed much importance on last season. But the Forest boss believes being captain carries particular weight, and he wants to take his time before making a final call.
“I haven’t made a decision on that. Joe did that last year and is the obvious front-runner for it,” he told the Post.
“But the role of the captain is something that is really important to me. What I demand of them is not just about wearing the armband, it’s about being a really good role model and looking out for the dressing room as well as themselves, and obviously playing really well in games.
“I haven’t made a total, final decision. But at the moment, Joe is carrying on from last year – and I’m really happy with that. But it’s something closer to the season I’ll make a total decision on, because it’s something I value.”