Nottingham Forest have moved to rubbish reports manager Steve Cooper is to be sacked.

It was claimed after defeat at Leeds last night that Cooper would be shown the door at the City Ground and replaced by former Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira.H

However, the club's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has denied all rumours:

"No one denies that our club is in a difficult situation in the Premier League, but we want to put an end to the speculation and the false and disturbing reporting in the media and confirm that Steve Cooper remains our manager at Nottingham Forest.

"We have all been disappointed with recent performances and it is quite clear that a lot of work needs to be done to solve this problem as soon as possible. Results and performance must be improved immediately.

"It is now time for everyone associated with the club - from us as owners to the board, our supporters, our staff, coaches and players - to come together and fight to secure our status in the Premier League.

"There is no time for distractions, rumors and speculation. There is only time for hard work, determination, a commitment from Steve and the players to get the results we need and of course the continued fantastic support from the Nottingham Forest fans. "