Hello, football fans! Welcome to another edition of my blog, where I share my thoughts and opinions on everything related to the beautiful game. Today, I want to talk about a man who has been making waves in the English football scene: Steve Cooper.
Who is Steve Cooper, you may ask? Well, he is the current head coach of Nottingham Forest, a Premier League club that has been enjoying a remarkable resurgence under his guidance. Cooper took over Forest in September 2021, after leaving Swansea City by mutual consent. He had led Swansea to two consecutive play-off finishes in the Championship, but felt it was time for a change.
Cooper is not a household name in football, but he has an impressive resume that deserves recognition. He started his coaching career at Wrexham’s academy, while playing as a defender in the Welsh football leagues. He then moved to Liverpool in 2008, where he became the manager of their academy in 2011. He coached some of the brightest talents in England, such as Raheem Sterling, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn.
In 2014, Cooper joined the England youth set-up, initially coaching the U16s, before winning the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup with the U17s. He was praised for his tactical acumen and his ability to develop young players. He also showed his adaptability and flexibility, as he switched from a 4-3-3 formation to a 3-5-2 system during the tournament.
Cooper’s success with England attracted the attention of Swansea City, who appointed him as their head coach in 2019. He inherited a squad that had lost several key players, such as Daniel James and Oli McBurnie, but he managed to keep them competitive and challenging for promotion. He implemented a possession-based style of play that was attractive and effective. He also continued to nurture young players, such as Joe Rodon, Rhian Brewster and Marc Guehi.
Cooper’s achievements at Swansea did not go unnoticed by other clubs, especially those in the Premier League. He was linked with Crystal Palace and Fulham, but he eventually chose Nottingham Forest as his next destination. He signed a three-year contract with Forest, who had narrowly avoided relegation in the previous season.
Cooper wasted no time in transforming Forest into a formidable force. He brought in some quality signings, such as James Garner, Brennan Johnson and Lewis Grabban. He also improved the existing players, such as Joe Worrall, Ryan Yates and Alex Mighten. He instilled a winning mentality and a strong team spirit among his players. He also maintained his philosophy of playing attractive and attacking football.
Under Cooper’s leadership, Forest have been flying high in the Premier League. They are currently fourth in the table, only four points behind leaders Manchester City. They have scored 36 goals in 18 games, the second-highest tally in the league. They have also beaten some of the big teams, such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Cooper’s remarkable work at Forest has not gone unnoticed by the England FA, who are reportedly considering him as a potential successor to Gareth Southgate. Southgate’s contract expires after the 2022 World Cup, and there is no guarantee that he will stay on as England manager.
Cooper has many qualities that make him a suitable candidate for the England job. He has proven himself at various levels of English football, from youth to senior level. He has shown that he can work with different types of players, from established stars to emerging talents. He has demonstrated that he can adapt to different situations and challenges. He has also shown that he can play attractive and effective football that can win trophies.
However, Cooper also has some weaknesses that could hinder his chances of becoming England manager. He lacks experience at managing at the highest level of international football. He has never coached at a major tournament with senior players. He may struggle to handle the pressure and expectations that come with being England manager. He may also face resistance from some fans and pundits who may prefer a more established name or a former player.
In conclusion, Steve Cooper is one of the most exciting and promising managers in English football today. He has done an outstanding job at Nottingham Forest, turning them into a Premier League contender. He has also been linked with the England job, which could be his next step in his career.
What do you think of Steve Cooper? Do you think he deserves to be considered for the England job when Gareth Southgate leaves?