Premier League sacking hands former Newcastle United man lead role - just four months after leaving

The Foxes appointed Cooper as Enzo Marseca’s successor in the summer and it was the Italian that delivered the final blow after his Chelsea side won 2-1 at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

That proved to be Cooper’s final match at the helm just 12 Premier League games. Newly-promoted Leicester sit 16th in the table, two points above the relegation zone.

A club statement read: “Leicester City Football Club has parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect.

“Assistant Manager Alan Tate and First Team Coach and Analyst Steve Rands have also left the Club. Steve, Alan and Steve depart with our thanks for their contribution during their time with the Club and with our best wishes for the future.

“Men’s First Team training will be overseen by First Team Coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the Club begins the process of appointing a new manager, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible.”

Dawson takes on a temporary lead role at Leicester having only joined from Newcastle four months ago.

Dawson initially joined Newcastle’s academy as a Professional Development Coach in 2014 and has served as under-21s Lead Coach - previously guiding the youngsters to the finals of the Premier League Cup and the Premier League 2 Division Two play-offs - and Academy Head of Coaching.

Since 2021, Dawson had held the role of First Team Development Coach. The role saw him work closely Eddie Howe and his coaching staff, bringing the club's first team and academy closer together and enhancing the club's talent pathway.

He then left to join Cooper’s backroom team in July. The Magpies welcome Leicester to St James’ Park on December 14.