Cooper Falls On Sword
By Mill House
October 5 2014
Colin Cooper has done the decent thing and stepped down as Hartlepool United manager after seeing his side fall to the bottom of the football league .. but how much is it his fault ?
An appalling second half against fellow strugglers Carlisle was the final straw for the fans, and for Cooper himself who has always conducted himself as a decent and honourable coach and manager.
Three second half goals from Steven Rigg, Stephen Elliott and Mark Beck won the game and caused the departure of Coooper whose record was 16 wins, 13 draws and 28 defeats from 57 league games.
Most fans could see this coming in the summer when a handful of seasoned, and committed, pros left the club amid rumours that the wage bill had been cut. So much so that Tony Sweeney spurned a testimonial season to join Carlisle.
In this climate Cooper could do little more than go back to old mates from the Boro and loaness from local clubs . Not a recipe for success - as most had predicted.
Doubtless, he did his best with what was an offer and there are very few who think our problems are all down to his stewardship.
Now the search is on for the man to keep us in the football league. Whoever it is let's hope he can charm, cajole and door bang his way to success.