Championship side Nottingham Forest have appointed Steve Cooper as their manager on a two-year contract.

Cooper led Swansea to back-to-back Championship play-off finishes in the last two seasons but left the Welsh club in July.

The 41-year-old, who won the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017, was the preferred candidate for Forest following the departure of Chris Hughton last week.

The Welshman was Liverpool’s academy manager before taking charge of some of the England underage teams.

He was in charge of the Swansea team that pipped Forest to the play-offs on the final day of the 2019/20 season.

Nottingham Forest Chief Executive, Dane Murphy said: "Steve was our first choice as head coach and we are delighted to have secured his services. His record of developing young talent is exceptional.

"Steve knows what is required to be successful in the Championship and has a proven track record with Swansea.

"We have reduced the age of our squad over the summer and Steve is the ideal coach to blend a team to start moving us up the table.

"On behalf of the owner and the Board, we welcome Steve to the club and look forward to providing every support he needs to be a success at Nottingham Forest."

📸 Welcome to Nottingham Forest, Gaffer!

🌳🔴 #NFFC pic.twitter.com/HA6G7w65fd

— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) September 21, 2021

Forest had to agree a compensation package with Swansea for Cooper, who was technically on gardening leave following his resignation over the summer.

The Welshman took training on Tuesday and will be joined at the club by Steve Rands and Alan Tate, who both worked with Cooper at Swansea.

His first match in charge will be against Millwall on Saturday with Forest aiming to build on their first league win of the season last weekend.

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Steven Reid was in interim charge for the 2-0 away to Huddersfield, the club's first game since Hughton was sacked.