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Steve Cooper (football manager)

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Steve Cooper
Cooper with Nottingham Forest in 2022
Personal information
Date of birth (1979-12-10) 10 December 1979 (age 45)
Place of birth Pontypridd, Wales
Position(s) Defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1998–1999 Wrexham 0 (0)
1999 Total Network Solutions 4 (1)
2000 Rhyl 4 (0)
2000–2002 Bangor City 57 (3)
2003 Porthmadog
Managerial career
2014–2015 England U16
2015–2019 England U17
2019–2021 Swansea City
2021–2023 Nottingham Forest
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  England (as manager)
FIFA U-17 World Cup
Winner 2017
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Steve Cooper (born 10 December 1979) is a Welsh professional football manager and former player.

Cooper began his coaching career at Wrexham's academy while playing as a defender in the Welsh football leagues. He moved to Liverpool in 2008 and was appointed manager of their academy in 2011. Cooper joined the England youth set-up in 2014, initially coaching the U16s, before winning the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup with the U17s. He became head coach of Swansea City in 2019 before managing Nottingham Forest from 2021 to 2023.

Early life

Cooper was born on 10 December 1979 in Pontypridd, Wales,[1] and raised in nearby Hopkinstown.[2] He is the son of Welsh former football referee Keith Cooper.[3] As a youngster, Cooper played football in the Rhondda leagues and was a Liverpool supporter.[3][4]

Playing career

In the late 1990s, Cooper joined Wrexham but did not make an appearance for the club.[5] He was signed by manager Brian Flynn, who suggested Cooper pursue a coaching career instead of playing professionally.[5] Cooper later played for Total Network Solutions (now called The New Saints), Rhyl, Bangor City and Porthmadog in the Welsh football leagues.[6] He featured for Bangor City in the UEFA Cup against FK Sartid Smederevo in 2002.[7]

Managerial career

Early coaching

While a player, Cooper studied for his coaching badges and began coaching at Wrexham's academy.[8] At the age of 27, Cooper obtained his UEFA Pro Licence, becoming one of the youngest coaches to achieve the qualification.[9][10]

After several years coaching at Wrexham's academy, Cooper became the club's head of youth development.[11] On 3 September 2008, Cooper was appointed as a youth coach at Liverpool, initially taking charge of the under-12s.[12] On 18 July 2011, he was named manager of Liverpool's academy.[13] Cooper coached the under-18s for the 2012–13 season, leading them to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup, where they lost to Chelsea.[14] While at Liverpool, Cooper oversaw the development of such players as Raheem Sterling, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn.[15] In 2013, Cooper joined the FA as a youth coach educator and also taught on the FA Wales A Licence course.[15][16]

England youth

On 13 October 2014, Cooper was appointed as manager of the England national under-16 team.[10] The following year, he took charge of the under-17s, coaching players such as Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden and Callum Hudson-Odoi.[15] Cooper led his side to the final of the 2017 UEFA European U17 Championship, where they lost to Spain 4–1 on penalties following a 2–2 draw.[17] Cooper's U17s then won the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup in October 2017, beating Brazil 3–1 in the semi-final and Spain 5–2 in the final.[18][19]

The following year, Cooper's side reached the semi-finals of the 2018 UEFA European U17 Championship, where they lost to Netherlands on penalties.[20] They did not qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2019 UEFA European U17 Championship, despite beating Sweden 3–1 in their final group game.[21] During his time at England, Cooper oversaw a specialised coaching model which included in-possession and out-of-possession coaches.[22] He was also responsible for the coaching programme and curriculum for the under-15s.[22] On training young players, Cooper said, "Sometimes I will talk and tell the players my thoughts, but most of the time I facilitate... that's how players learn, as a modern player. The days are gone, for me, where everything is the coach telling the player, that's finished."[22]

Swansea City

Cooper was appointed head coach of Championship club Swansea City on 13 June 2019 on a three-year contract.[23] His first match was a 2–1 win against Hull City at the Liberty Stadium, with goals from Borja Bastón and Mike van der Hoorn.[24] Cooper was named the EFL's Championship Manager of the Month for August after Swansea's unbeaten start to the season saw them move top of the league, with 16 points from 18.[25] This was Swansea's best start to a season in 41 years.[26]

During the January transfer window, Cooper signed Rhian Brewster, Marc Guéhi and Conor Gallagher (all of whom Cooper had coached in the England set-up) on loan from Liverpool and Chelsea respectively.[27] Following the outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent pandemic, the Championship season was suspended indefinitely, with Swansea in 11th place and three points from the play-offs.[28] The season restarted on 20 June.[29] On the final day of the season, Swansea beat Reading 4–1 to finish sixth, moving into the play-offs ahead of Nottingham Forest on goal difference.[30] They were defeated by Brentford 3–2 on aggregate in the semi-final.[31]

In his second season, Cooper again led Swansea to the play-offs, despite criticism of his style of play and Swansea's poor form towards the end of the season.[32][33] They drew 2–2 with Reading on 25 April 2021 to secure their play-off place, with two league games left in the season.[32] This was Cooper's 100th game in charge.[34] Swansea finished 4th in the league[35] but lost the play-off final to Brentford.[36] He left the club by mutual consent in July 2021.[37]

Nottingham Forest

Cooper was appointed head coach at Championship club Nottingham Forest on 21 September 2021 on a two-year contract. At this point, Nottingham Forest were bottom of the division.[38] Cooper improved Forest's style of play by encouraging them to be confident with the ball and attack in greater numbers. He also improved the mentality of the players – fostering a greater sense of togetherness,[39] and instilling a 'big club mentality'.[40] On 29 May 2022, Cooper led Nottingham Forest to promotion to the Premier League, after a 1–0 win over Huddersfield Town in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.[41]

On 7 October 2022, he signed a new contract with the club until 2025.[42] On 5 April 2023, after a string of poor results and reports that Cooper was at risk of dismissal, club owner Evangelos Marinakis stated that he still had faith in Cooper but added results and performances must “improve immediately”.[43] Forest secured their Premier League status on 20 May 2023, following a 1–0 home victory against Arsenal.[44]

On 19 December 2023, Cooper was dismissed as manager of Nottingham Forest.[45] A run of just one win in 13 matches had left the club in 17th place in the table. A day later, he was replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo.[46]

Style of coaching

We want to play with purpose, dominate possession, play forward, and get the ball back as quick as we can.

—Cooper on his preferred style of play, 25 October 2017.[47]

Cooper likes his teams to play with "good organisation and structure".[48] He prefers his teams to control the game by being brave on the ball and confident when passing.[19] Cooper coaches his teams to have tactical discipline; defensively, he prefers his players to regain possession through composure and aggression.[49]

Cooper cites former Barcelona B coach José Segura as his main influence; the pair worked together at Liverpool's academy.[48] Tactically, Cooper likes to deploy a 4–2–3–1 with two holding midfielders and attacking wing-backs.[50] He has also used a 5–3–2 or 3–5–2 formation to ensure greater defensive stability and more flexibility in attack.[51]

Managerial statistics

As of match played 15 December 2023
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
P W D L Win %
England U16 13 October 2014 28 July 2015 8 4 2 2 050.00 [10][52][53]
England U17 28 July 2015 13 June 2019 66 45 11 10 068.18 [52][23][53]
Swansea City 13 June 2019 21 July 2021 105 47 28 30 044.76 [54][55]
Nottingham Forest 21 September 2021 19 December 2023 108 42 27 39 038.89 [54]
Total 287 138 68 81 048.08

Honours

Manager

England U17

Nottingham Forest

Individual

References

  1. ^ "Manager Profile: Steve Cooper". Premier League. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  2. ^ "Football: Hopkinstown-born Cooper appointed Liverpool Academy manager". WalesOnline. Media Wales. 2 June 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  3. ^ a b Edwards, Dave (9 October 2008). "Football: Rhondda coach joins the Reds' Anfield set-up". walesonline. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  4. ^ Mitchelmore, Ian (25 October 2019). "The support Swansea City boss Steve Cooper will have from Cardiff City-supporting father in South Wales derby". WalesOnline. Media Wales. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  5. ^ a b Vincent, Gareth (26 July 2020). "Steve Cooper: Swansea City hope coach with a big future can inspire play-off glory". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  6. ^ "Steve Cooper". www.welsh-premier.com. Archived from the original on 7 December 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  7. ^ "UEFA Europa League 2002/03 - History - Bangor-Smederevo – UEFA.com". UEFA. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  8. ^ "In Profile: Steve Cooper". Swansea City A.F.C. 14 June 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  9. ^ "England Under-17s: Six things you didn't know about World Cup winners". BBC Sport. 27 October 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  10. ^ a b c "Steve Cooper appointed as England U16s head coach". The Football Association. 13 October 2014. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  11. ^ "Former Wrexham coach Steve Cooper relishing Liverpool FC role". North Wales Post. 3 June 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  12. ^ "Steve Cooper leaves Wrexham for Liverpool FC Academy". North Wales Daily Post. 3 September 2008. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  13. ^ "'I'm honoured to take new role'". Liverpool F.C. 18 July 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  14. ^ "Kop Kids: Steve Cooper pays tribute to Liverpool under-18s after FA Youth Cup exit". Liverpool Echo. 25 April 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  15. ^ a b c "Swansea City make Steve Cooper a leading contender for manager role". BBC Sport. 6 June 2019. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  16. ^ Clarke, Tomos (11 June 2019). "The impressive Steve Cooper presentation, his footballing identity and the Liverpool moment that changed everything". WalesOnline. Media Wales. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  17. ^ a b "Young Lions beaten on penalties in UEFA Euro U17 Championship final". The Football Association. 19 May 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  18. ^ "Under-17 World Cup semi-final: Brazil 1–3 England". BBC Sport. 25 October 2017. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  19. ^ a b "England U17s Head Coach Steve Cooper Reflects on Winning the World Cup in India". The Football Association. 28 October 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  20. ^ "England knocked out of U17 Euro semi-final by Netherlands after penalty shootout". The Football Association. 17 May 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  21. ^ "Young Lions win final group game of U17 Euros, but miss out on a quarter final spot". The Football Association. 9 May 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  22. ^ a b c "FIFA Technical Report FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017" (PDF). FIFA. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  23. ^ a b "England Under-17 coach Steve Cooper named Swansea City boss". BBC Sport. 13 June 2019. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
  24. ^ "Swansea City 2–1 Hull City". BBC Sport. 3 August 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2019.
  25. ^ a b "Sky Bet Championship: Player and Manager of the Month August winners". English Football League. 13 September 2019. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  26. ^ "Steve Cooper: That was our best performance yet". Swansea City A.F.C. 25 August 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  27. ^ "Conor Gallagher: Swansea City sign Chelsea midfielder on loan". BBC Sport. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  28. ^ "UEFA make significant 2019/20 season announcement and how it affects Cardiff City, Swansea City, Leeds United and others". WalesOnline. Media Wales. 17 March 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  29. ^ "Championship season set to restart on 20 June as coronavirus lockdown eases". BBC Sport. 31 May 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  30. ^ Pritchard, Dafydd (22 July 2020). "Reading 1–4 Swansea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  31. ^ Doyle, Paul (30 July 2020). "Brentford v Swansea: Championship play-off semi-final, second leg – as it happened". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  32. ^ a b "Reading 2–2 Swansea City". BBC Sport. 25 April 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  33. ^ "'Wasn't pretty' – Steve Cooper addresses concerns over Swansea City's style after hard-fought Luton win". WalesOnline. Media Wales. 13 March 2021. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  34. ^ "Reading 2–2 Swansea City: Andre Ayew inspires Steve Cooper's side who clinch Championship play-off spot against Royals". WalesOnline. Media Wales. 25 April 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  35. ^ "Watford 2–0 Swansea". BBC Sport. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  36. ^ "Brentford 2–0 Swansea City". BBC Sport. 29 May 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  37. ^ "STEVE COOPER LEAVES SWANSEA CITY". Swansea City A.F.C. 21 July 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  38. ^ "Steve Cooper appointed head coach". 21 September 2021.
  39. ^ Taylor, Daniel. "How Steve Cooper has transformed Nottingham Forest – now they must build on it". The Athletic. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
  40. ^ Mitchelmore, Ian (8 December 2021). "Cooper's startling transformation of Nottingham Forest as he returns to Swans". WalesOnline. Media Wales. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
  41. ^ "Nottingham Forest promoted to Premier League for first time since May 1999". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  42. ^ "Steve Cooper: Nottingham Forest manager signs new deal until 2025". BBC Sport. 7 October 2022.
  43. ^ sport, Guardian (5 April 2023). "Forest owner stands by Cooper but says results must improve". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  44. ^ "Forest win to seal safety and end Arsenal title hopes". BBC Sport.
  45. ^ "Nottingham Forest confirm departure of head coach Steve Cooper". Nottingham Forest Football Club. 19 December 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  46. ^ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67766124
  47. ^ "FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017: England coach Steve Cooper 'proud and satisfied' to make a statement". First Post. 25 October 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  48. ^ a b "England coach Steve Cooper sees hope in painfully familiar defeat to Spain". The Guardian. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  49. ^ "England's golden age". UEFA. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  50. ^ "What we have learnt so far about Steve Cooper at Swansea City – a tactical analysis". WalesOnline. Media Wales. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  51. ^ Llewelyn, Guto (18 July 2020). "The Swansea City tactical switch which has worked and why fans can look ahead with pride and optimism". WalesOnline. Media Wales. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  52. ^ a b "Four new interim England national coaches appointed". The Football Association. 28 July 2015. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  53. ^ a b "Results archive". The Football Association. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  54. ^ a b "Managers: Steve Cooper". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  55. ^ "Steve Cooper: Head coach leaves Swansea City". BBC Sport. 21 July 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  56. ^ Shamoon Hafez (17 January 2019). "England's U17 World Cup winners – where are they now?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
  57. ^ Woodcock, Ian (29 May 2022). "Huddersfield Town 0–1 Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  58. ^ "January Manager & Player of the Month winners". English Football League. 12 February 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  59. ^ "Sky Bet EFL Manager and Player of the Month April winners!". English Football League. 13 May 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2022.
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