Stevie Cooper

[optimistic_red]

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

[JoeWorrallsBrain]

Not sure if this is the right thread, but there is 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.

[optimistic_red]

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.

Your take is interesting. I took from it that Cooper worked really hard to find the best solution, and was willing to be flexible and deviate from his preferred principles for the good of the team. 
I think the tactics will be different next season again as he builds on his knowledge (assuming he is the manager of course). 
I don't agree that Copper is lost at this level.

[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.

[stefanduma]

It "seems" to me that there are many opinions here, like bottoms, everyone has one, and nobody thinks theirs smells.

I hope Mr Marinakis is reading this when he is looking to appoint his next manager, there is no need to scour the world he could be right here.

[DR Forest]

Some might be forgetting the critical injuries we had during the season and how that lack of personnel shaped what team he could put out at different times.

I still believe cooper prefers 3 at the back and expect to see two fast CB’s join this summer to give us the bodies to do this.
I also expect a lot of departures, fewer (but better) acquisitions in key areas and a complete review of the reasons why hamstrings were twanging like a flight of longbowmen at Agincourt.

Get these things in order and I think we can then fairly judge Cooper on his tactics next season.

[Tricky]

Some might be forgetting the critical injuries we had during the season and how that lack of personnel shaped what team he could put out at different times.

I still believe cooper prefers 3 at the back and expect to see two fast CB’s join this summer to give us the bodies to do this.
I also expect a lot of departures, fewer (but better) acquisitions in key areas and a complete review of the reasons why hamstrings were twanging like a flight of longbowmen at Agincourt.

Get these things in order and I think we can then fairly judge Cooper on his tactics next season.

Brilliant analogy DRF!!

Good post too!!

[Sniffer Dog (Admin)]

Good news for Steve is that the Dutchman who recently spent 3 days in Athens with EM has taken up a new position elsewhere.

[northeastred]

Good news for Steve is that the Dutchman who recently spent 3 days in Athens with EM has taken up a new position elsewhere.

A good well payed tax free job as well

[Sniffer Dog (Admin)]

Good news for Steve is that the Dutchman who recently spent 3 days in Athens with EM has taken up a new position elsewhere.

A good well payed tax free job as well

Yes that's the one!

[Marco Polo]

The good news for Steve Cooper is that he smashed all his season objectives

[Simon]

There is a Link to the bbc manager of the year vote if anyone fancies it…