On the Forest to-do list for new boss
WHEN Chris Hughton was appointed, Nottingham Forest were bottom of the league and in a mess.
When Steve Cooper was appointed, Nottingham Forest were bottom of the league and in a mess.
The good news is that unlike when Hughton arrived just under a year ago, the building blocks of a decent side appear to be there at the City Ground.
Now Cooper must get to work as we look at some of the immediate tasks facing the former Swansea City boss.
■Arrest the slide
It’s a blindingly obvious thing to say but Forest need to start winning consistently. Four points from eight games is a dire return.
However, the fine plan put together by Steven Reid and executed by the players in Saturday’s win away against Huddersfield Town shows there is potential.
Forest’s next five games do not feature teams expected to be in the top six at this stage as they face Millwall, Barnsley, Birmingham, Blackpool and Bristol City.
The cards in the fixtures desk might not have been shuffled well when it comes to a plethora of ‘B’ teams but they do present Cooper with a reasonable run of opening matches at the helm, all things considered.
■Find a team identity
One of the biggest criticisms of Hughton was there never appeared to be a pattern of play, or a plan for how to win games.
Even in one game against Huddersfield, fans could see one as Forest pressed the ball and played with ambition.
Cooper will need fans to see what the thought process is in order to get them onside quickly.
■Build a bond with fans
Therein lies Hughton’s biggest problem. It’s quite obviously one that was not of his own making as virtually all his games were behind closed doors. However, he never got the fans onside as manager.
Poor football left him with no stock with supporters to fall back on when things were going badly. After 18 months away, fans returned to the City Ground and were served an unhealthy dose of misery.
Cooper must gain the backing of
supporters with the best way to do so being to make them feel like they haven’t wasted their money on a Saturday afternoon.
■Improve players
How many players made progress under Hughton? Alex Mighten to an extent? Brennan Johnson came on leaps and bounds but that was on loan with Lincoln City.
There is a wealth of young talent at Forest for Cooper to work with. He might not turn Fin Back into the next Matty Cash but he can certainly make his squad collectively and individually better.
■Execute Dane Murphy’s plan
Hughton and Murphy never felt like a happy marriage.
It was more like an ill-fated arranged one where they were thrown together and gave it a go. But it was doomed.
Murphy sees Forest going in a certain direction. They won’t go there unless he has his man at the helm.
Now he does and the American needs this appointment to come off. His stock is high with fans right now.
Past failings aren’t his fault but Cooper has been hired on his watch.
Everyone is willing it to work so let’s hope this footballing marriage flourishes.