Stevie Cooper

[andy1236660]

Not sure if this is the right thread, but an interesting article on how Cooper changed the formation/tactics through the season.

He sure did, but it never seemed that he was building towards his optimal lineup and formation.  It always seemed either like random experiments from week to week or knee jerk reactions to injuries or errors made by players in the preceeding game.  How long did it take him to figure out that Williams was better than Aurier at right back (he did, eventually, but then Williams was injured within 2 games of the switch).  Or that MGW was more effective attacking from a midfield position (and shooting from outside the box, rather than carrying into the box)?  Or that MGW was the most reliable penalty shooter on the team?  Or that Awoniyi was his best threat in the air to occupy the centre of opposing boxes?   The answer is - almost the entire season, but it isn't really clear that he's committed to those conclusions, even now.

I don't think fans can be satisfied that his lay deep, 18% possession and hoof it up the pitch to Awoniyi tactic is the successful formula for progressing up the table next year (or even for staying up by the end of that season).  Rather, I think that by employing such desperate tactics, and having Lady Luck bail him out, we are back to square one tactically for the start of next season.

To me, Cooper seems lost at this level.  It will be hard, nevertheless to move on from him, because the fans are so grateful for the promotiion run, and he seems very well liked by the fans and his players.

So certain, so wrong. The word 'seems' in the last sentence speaks volumes.