The appointment of new managers are known to lead to instant improvements in many cases, and that has been no different since Forest replaced Chris Hughton with Cooper.
However, even after just two games, the former Swansea City head coach is seen as a major success, guiding Forest to four points against Millwall and Barnsley.
The East Midlands outfit have fought back on both occasions, Wednesday’s fixture at Oakwell seeing three goals scored during the closing half hour.
While Cooper will not move away from his back-three strategy in the long term, the switch to 4-2-3-1 paid off immediately with Philip Zinckernagel, Brennan Johnson and Lewis Grabban all getting on the scoresheet.
Forest now sit outside of the relegation zone for the first time this season, and Cooper will expect further progress against opponents who have alarmingly lost their way.
Three defeats in four matches have changed the perception that Birmingham will emerge as playoff contenders this season, Lee Bowyer’s side now down in 15th position.
The manner of the setbacks are concerning Blues supporters with their club well beaten by Fulham, Peterborough United and Queens Park Rangers respectively.
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Bowyer is under pressure to deviate away from any tactics which involve using a three-man defence, something which may prove difficult when their next opponents use a similar tactic.
Nevertheless, Bowyer must change something behind the scenes at St Andrew’s, as well as demanding more from Troy Deeney who is yet to make an impact since joining his boyhood club
