Just a few words by way of post script to the Cooper era at RR.
In an earlier blog, it was noted that coincidences abounded on the trip to Hartlepool. In the days following Hartlepool, as it grew increasingly more likely that MC would soon be gone, I found myself mulling over another coincidence between the Poppies boss who in my eyes he most resembles - Ron Atkinson.
In November 1974, Big Ron's final match in charge before departing for Cambridge United was a Cup victory over League opposition. Would Mark Cooper go out the same way? It transpired not - but he did sign off with a win at Camb
ridge United!
The Big Ron comparison first struck me in the championship campaign and has grown in my mind ever since. There are echoes in their moderate playing careers before dropping into non-League but plenty of others can rival that. What they have in common at the same age is a presence, a confidence that lifts players and achieves results that others wouldn't, combined with a slightly abrasive edge that some might find cocky.
How many times under Cooper did his teams defy the Poppies stereotype of wilting under pressure and losing the big games? Top of the table by 5 points? Fine we'll make it 10. Crunch match against nearest promotion rivals? Result 5-2. Cup replays against League opposition - played two won two. Older heads can no doubt recall many similar performances in the Atkinson glory days.
Like Ron, Cooper has developed something of a swagger (even if his teams weren't always set up to play that way). He clearly feels he has a big future, and although management is more precarious than it ever was, I wouldn't bet against him matching Big Ron in reaching the top flight. Hopefully without the benefit of a fake tan, bling or regrettable off-mike moments.
In an earlier blog, it was noted that coincidences abounded on the trip to Hartlepool. In the days following Hartlepool, as it grew increasingly more likely that MC would soon be gone, I found myself mulling over another coincidence between the Poppies boss who in my eyes he most resembles - Ron Atkinson.
In November 1974, Big Ron's final match in charge before departing for Cambridge United was a Cup victory over League opposition. Would Mark Cooper go out the same way? It transpired not - but he did sign off with a win at Camb
ridge United!The Big Ron comparison first struck me in the championship campaign and has grown in my mind ever since. There are echoes in their moderate playing careers before dropping into non-League but plenty of others can rival that. What they have in common at the same age is a presence, a confidence that lifts players and achieves results that others wouldn't, combined with a slightly abrasive edge that some might find cocky.
How many times under Cooper did his teams defy the Poppies stereotype of wilting under pressure and losing the big games? Top of the table by 5 points? Fine we'll make it 10. Crunch match against nearest promotion rivals? Result 5-2. Cup replays against League opposition - played two won two. Older heads can no doubt recall many similar performances in the Atkinson glory days.
Like Ron, Cooper has developed something of a swagger (even if his teams weren't always set up to play that way). He clearly feels he has a big future, and although management is more precarious than it ever was, I wouldn't bet against him matching Big Ron in reaching the top flight. Hopefully without the benefit of a fake tan, bling or regrettable off-mike moments.
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