Cooper: Tough calls are part of being leader
REDS BOSS DISCUSSES DECISION TO TELL JOE HE’S NOT IN THE PLANS FOR PREMIER CAMPAIGN
BOSS Steve Cooper says tough decisions sometimes have to be taken as he discussed Joe Lolley’s situation at Nottingham Forest.
The Reds have made seven signings so far this summer – eight if midfielder Brandon Aguilera is included, although the teenager has immediately returned to Costa Rica for a sixmonth loan with Guanacasteca. Meanwhile, a number of players have headed in the opposite direction, either on permanent or loan deals.
Further incomings and outgoings will follow as Cooper shapes his squad for the Premier League. Lolley is now likely to fall into the latter category, having been informed he is not part of Forest’s plans for the upcoming season.
The winger played for the Under-23s in their friendly against Boston United on Saturday, along with Harry Arter, who has not been part of the first-team set-up for some time. And it points to the former Huddersfield Town man’s four-and-a-half years on Trentside coming to an end.
“It’s not about any individual. It’s about trying to prepare a squad and a team that we want to commit to for the season ahead,” Cooper told The Athletic after his team’s 0-0 draw with Barnsley in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.
“Part of the preparation is the training and coaching model we use, which is more or less 20 players every single day. Sometimes that varies, of course, it’s not completely fixed. When you bring players in and move players on, it takes a little bit of sorting out. That’s all it is.
“It’s just the natural process; the turnaround of ending one season and getting ready for another one. It’s as simple as that.
“Some guys will do pre-season with us and move on. Some guys will do pre-season elsewhere and come back in or will move on or whatever.
“I like to train with a certain number of players. The players are really clear about that. And that’s what we’re committing to.”
Asked if making such decisions was a difficult part of the job, Cooper added: “It can be, yes. But at the same time, it’s part of the role.
“I accept that’s what you have to do at times.
“Part of being a leader is making decisions that are right for the team and the club. I am happy to do that.”