| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? 12:29 - Aug 30 with 9368 views | Herbivore |
Last season when Cook came in I remember him being pretty vocal about the size of the squad and it being too bloated, especially in certain areas, and us having too many loan players. He wanted a small, quality squad that he could work hard with and get playing his way.
Fast forward to the end of the transfer window and it looks very much like we're going to have a massive squad again and, if Walton and Celina join, we'll be up at five players on loan. The start has been poor and based on Hladky's displays so far I see the need for a new keeper. But another attacking player when we already have at least 2 players for every position? Morsy looks the type of midfielder we need as our current options don't look solid enough defensively, but when we already have Carroll, Evans, and Harper signed as well as El Miz and Nolan in the first team squad you have to ask whether the first three signings were made with any great thought? Did we not foresee that we might need some steel when signing three neat and tidy players to complement the two neat and tidy players already on our books?
I'm sure this will upset some as it's become unacceptable to ask questions of the new regime, but I do find the late flurry to bolster an already very large first team squad a little unsettling. It feels very much like how the old regime operated, throw new (often temporary) additions at it if it's not working rather than showing a bit more planning and nous. I hope for all our sakes it works this time. [Post edited 30 Aug 2021 12:33]
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 16:51 - Aug 30 with 1675 views | PhilTWTD |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 16:13 - Aug 30 by TrumptonBlue |
That 56 presumably includes all the young professionals. 49 players featured in the matchday 18 last season, including the Pizza Cup games. 34 players played in the league, including half a dozen who played 6 or fewer games - so a core first-team squad of about 28. If you include all the young professionals this season, we have a squad of 54. [Post edited 30 Aug 2021 16:21]
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A lot of the young professionals have been sent out on loan, so that reduces the number somewhat. I think the first-team hardcore will probably be 25-ish at most. I doubt they'll have to need to introduce an extra squad between the first-team and the U23s like they did last year, although I think the U23s will be pretty large. |  | | |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 16:54 - Aug 30 with 1651 views | chrismakin |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 16:51 - Aug 30 by PhilTWTD |
A lot of the young professionals have been sent out on loan, so that reduces the number somewhat. I think the first-team hardcore will probably be 25-ish at most. I doubt they'll have to need to introduce an extra squad between the first-team and the U23s like they did last year, although I think the U23s will be pretty large. |
I think that 4th team is lost in this thread
Incredible numbers of players within a club.
Also, why financially, the cull has been massive. |  |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 17:07 - Aug 30 with 1635 views | Moisha |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 15:46 - Aug 30 by PhilTWTD |
The squad is still a fair bit smaller than the one PC inherited, think it was about 56 'strong' at that point. You may well be right re PC saying something about there being too many loans, but I think his overall point was that we'd added several in January to add to an already huge squad, players who weren't better than we already had, more players rather than better players. The squad was too unwieldy to train, which was why a few were off-loaded early on. |
Down voted by fat fingers, meant to be an uppie |  | | |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 17:08 - Aug 30 with 1627 views | chicoazul |
Herbs is your “problem” with the size of the squad, the players in it, or the Manager in charge of them, or a combination or none of the above?
The players we are signing in and of themselves look bloody good to me. Whether they can make a team out of them & keep them all happy enough (although it’s not unreasonable to expect for eg Carroll Aluko and Hladky to be ultra professional at all times, and indeed all the others who get left out week by week) is another thing entirely. I have doubts about Cook too but based on today it doesn’t look like Ashton has any or many. |  |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 17:24 - Aug 30 with 1605 views | Herbivore |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 17:08 - Aug 30 by chicoazul |
Herbs is your “problem” with the size of the squad, the players in it, or the Manager in charge of them, or a combination or none of the above?
The players we are signing in and of themselves look bloody good to me. Whether they can make a team out of them & keep them all happy enough (although it’s not unreasonable to expect for eg Carroll Aluko and Hladky to be ultra professional at all times, and indeed all the others who get left out week by week) is another thing entirely. I have doubts about Cook too but based on today it doesn’t look like Ashton has any or many. |
It's partly the balance - that despite signing three new CMs, for example, we have no steel in midfield - and partly that we've ended up with a core first team squad as big as last year's when it was too large and unwieldy. I struggle to see how you keep all of those players happy when a third of them won't even be on the bench regularly. That's a tough ask.
My impression when Cook came in was that he wanted a smaller core group with youngsters supplementing when needed, instead we're absolutely bang on our limit of players over 21, sending the likes of Dobs out on loan, and with no obvious route for any young player to supplement the first team short of us contracting the plague.
Individually the squad looks an upgrade on last year, I wouldn't argue otherwise. But when players are dropping down or turning down Championship sides to join a League 1 squad then it's hard to keep them onside when they aren't even getting on our bench. And as to whether Cook is able to get a settled team out of them and get a tune out of that team, the only sensible position is that the jury is very much out on that one. | |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 17:26 - Aug 30 with 1585 views | chrismakin |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 17:24 - Aug 30 by Herbivore |
It's partly the balance - that despite signing three new CMs, for example, we have no steel in midfield - and partly that we've ended up with a core first team squad as big as last year's when it was too large and unwieldy. I struggle to see how you keep all of those players happy when a third of them won't even be on the bench regularly. That's a tough ask.
My impression when Cook came in was that he wanted a smaller core group with youngsters supplementing when needed, instead we're absolutely bang on our limit of players over 21, sending the likes of Dobs out on loan, and with no obvious route for any young player to supplement the first team short of us contracting the plague.
Individually the squad looks an upgrade on last year, I wouldn't argue otherwise. But when players are dropping down or turning down Championship sides to join a League 1 squad then it's hard to keep them onside when they aren't even getting on our bench. And as to whether Cook is able to get a settled team out of them and get a tune out of that team, the only sensible position is that the jury is very much out on that one. |
Herbs, even Phil raised the point
We had to make an inbetween team to fit in last years overall squad.. That's what PC didn't want to repeat. And we're not | |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 18:32 - Aug 30 with 1534 views | timothyeo |
Cooks not shown any on-pitch tactical ability or nous so far.
I pray he at least has good man management. Which judging by last season is a massive no, but ill hold on to some hope that was a one off big mistake.
They spoke about having too big a squad and we're back to the same with a load of loan signings too. If we can keep everyone happy somehow then great, otherwise its a really expensive mistake in multiple ways. |  | | |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 18:40 - Aug 30 with 1505 views | chicoazul |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 17:24 - Aug 30 by Herbivore |
It's partly the balance - that despite signing three new CMs, for example, we have no steel in midfield - and partly that we've ended up with a core first team squad as big as last year's when it was too large and unwieldy. I struggle to see how you keep all of those players happy when a third of them won't even be on the bench regularly. That's a tough ask.
My impression when Cook came in was that he wanted a smaller core group with youngsters supplementing when needed, instead we're absolutely bang on our limit of players over 21, sending the likes of Dobs out on loan, and with no obvious route for any young player to supplement the first team short of us contracting the plague.
Individually the squad looks an upgrade on last year, I wouldn't argue otherwise. But when players are dropping down or turning down Championship sides to join a League 1 squad then it's hard to keep them onside when they aren't even getting on our bench. And as to whether Cook is able to get a settled team out of them and get a tune out of that team, the only sensible position is that the jury is very much out on that one. |
Hard to disagree with any of that. Fingers crossed Cook can get wins now. | |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 19:30 - Aug 30 with 1457 views | istanblue |
I'm actually going to defend PC slightly on this one.
He clearly wanted a slimmed down squad but due to players lacking fitness at the start of the season and the terrible start, Cook is getting a little concerned about his future here (as he should). All the players he has signed, bar Aluko, have been warmly received. If anything he hasn't been ruthless enough in moving deadwood out of the club. Jackson, Kenlock, Nolan, Toto and Holy are still here and imo not good enough for this club now. The loans he has bought in are better than what we could attract on permanent deals. Plus, Ndaba and Dobra are/will be out on loan.
We need another CB and CM imo too. |  | | |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 19:33 - Aug 30 with 1449 views | Herbivore |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 19:30 - Aug 30 by istanblue |
I'm actually going to defend PC slightly on this one.
He clearly wanted a slimmed down squad but due to players lacking fitness at the start of the season and the terrible start, Cook is getting a little concerned about his future here (as he should). All the players he has signed, bar Aluko, have been warmly received. If anything he hasn't been ruthless enough in moving deadwood out of the club. Jackson, Kenlock, Nolan, Toto and Holy are still here and imo not good enough for this club now. The loans he has bought in are better than what we could attract on permanent deals. Plus, Ndaba and Dobra are/will be out on loan.
We need another CB and CM imo too. |
We already have four CBs, we don't need another one. We shouldn't need another CM given the numbers there but the balance is wrong so we probably could do with another. | |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 21:28 - Aug 30 with 1394 views | OsborneOneNil |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 17:24 - Aug 30 by Herbivore |
It's partly the balance - that despite signing three new CMs, for example, we have no steel in midfield - and partly that we've ended up with a core first team squad as big as last year's when it was too large and unwieldy. I struggle to see how you keep all of those players happy when a third of them won't even be on the bench regularly. That's a tough ask.
My impression when Cook came in was that he wanted a smaller core group with youngsters supplementing when needed, instead we're absolutely bang on our limit of players over 21, sending the likes of Dobs out on loan, and with no obvious route for any young player to supplement the first team short of us contracting the plague.
Individually the squad looks an upgrade on last year, I wouldn't argue otherwise. But when players are dropping down or turning down Championship sides to join a League 1 squad then it's hard to keep them onside when they aren't even getting on our bench. And as to whether Cook is able to get a settled team out of them and get a tune out of that team, the only sensible position is that the jury is very much out on that one. |
So you’re a bit upset that we have 25 decent players as opposed to last year where we had an ok few, and 30 odd poor ones? You’re worried the decent lads this year won’t cope if not in the side? I’d sooner that than having to replace quality with a bang average squad member who’s not fussed if out of the side as he’s not at the same level.
I think it’s great that we have 2 quality players for each positon, maybe keeper aside.
I do feel the midfield needs a tweak, and I’m not sure on Barry or Aluko, but other than that, they’ve delivered what they’ve promised, a huge upgrade in quality of squad. Just need to win a few matches now! |  | | |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 21:37 - Aug 30 with 1382 views | Herbivore |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 21:28 - Aug 30 by OsborneOneNil |
So you’re a bit upset that we have 25 decent players as opposed to last year where we had an ok few, and 30 odd poor ones? You’re worried the decent lads this year won’t cope if not in the side? I’d sooner that than having to replace quality with a bang average squad member who’s not fussed if out of the side as he’s not at the same level.
I think it’s great that we have 2 quality players for each positon, maybe keeper aside.
I do feel the midfield needs a tweak, and I’m not sure on Barry or Aluko, but other than that, they’ve delivered what they’ve promised, a huge upgrade in quality of squad. Just need to win a few matches now! |
Yes mate, I'm hankering for last season. That's definitely the point I'm making. Ffs, this place sometimes. | |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 21:40 - Aug 30 with 1376 views | OsborneOneNil |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 21:37 - Aug 30 by Herbivore |
Yes mate, I'm hankering for last season. That's definitely the point I'm making. Ffs, this place sometimes. |
Just trying to understand what you’re moaning about this time, that’s all.
It seems you’re upset we have a better squad. I’d try not to stress over it and just hope PC can get us to iron out those errors and grab a win. Think we’ll fly then. | | | |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 21:42 - Aug 30 with 1375 views | Herbivore |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 21:40 - Aug 30 by OsborneOneNil |
Just trying to understand what you’re moaning about this time, that’s all.
It seems you’re upset we have a better squad. I’d try not to stress over it and just hope PC can get us to iron out those errors and grab a win. Think we’ll fly then. |
Try reading the thread, fella. | |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 22:37 - Aug 30 with 1325 views | positivity |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 18:32 - Aug 30 by timothyeo |
Cooks not shown any on-pitch tactical ability or nous so far.
I pray he at least has good man management. Which judging by last season is a massive no, but ill hold on to some hope that was a one off big mistake.
They spoke about having too big a squad and we're back to the same with a load of loan signings too. If we can keep everyone happy somehow then great, otherwise its a really expensive mistake in multiple ways. |
"Cooks not shown any on-pitch tactical ability or nous so far."
so are you saying his 3 title wins have all been purely through luck? or was it entirely down to the players expressing themselves with no input from cook?
odd conclusion to come to | |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 22:43 - Aug 30 with 1317 views | OsborneOneNil |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 21:42 - Aug 30 by Herbivore |
Try reading the thread, fella. |
I have, all 4 pages. Hence my comments. | | | |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 22:49 - Aug 30 with 1304 views | Herbivore |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 22:43 - Aug 30 by OsborneOneNil |
I have, all 4 pages. Hence my comments. |
Try reading it again then, more slowly this time. | |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 07:40 - Aug 31 with 1195 views | Vic |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 22:37 - Aug 30 by positivity |
"Cooks not shown any on-pitch tactical ability or nous so far."
so are you saying his 3 title wins have all been purely through luck? or was it entirely down to the players expressing themselves with no input from cook?
odd conclusion to come to |
I think the point is that here at ITFC he doesn’t seem to have shown much tactical nous. There have been glimpses, but so far he’s binned virtually a whole squad that he was unable to coach to be successful, brought / bought in another and so far hasn’t been able to coach them to win.
I’m not saying he should go, far from it, but the clock is ticking. The squad he has put together looks very impressive and I expect them to get going soon. But evidence elsewhere shows that sometimes it just doesn’t happen, even for good managers. |  |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 08:22 - Aug 31 with 1186 views | ElephantintheRoom |
It's laughably crass. The Cookster would have been shown the door by himself last season if he judged his own clueless performance as harshly and iineptly as he judged the players.
The goalkeeper scenario is a succinct illustration of just how short-sighted and damaging Cook's lunacy is. Holy was good enough to play in a team flirting with the play-offs.He's ostracised and replaced with someone who clearly isn't - and that goalie, struggling to adapt to a new place in a shambles of a team is thrown under the bus andnow replaced with yet another old mate borrowed from elsewhere.
Such is life supporting a bunch of strangers playing for a franchise - under a floundering manager who knows the worst case scenario is a massive pay-off. | |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 09:34 - Aug 31 with 1163 views | JammyDodgerrr |
Whilst the squad actually looks big - i think it's OK and still considerably smaller than last year. We basically have two good players in every position now - so pretty happy with that. |  |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 09:54 - Aug 31 with 1144 views | positivity |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 07:40 - Aug 31 by Vic |
I think the point is that here at ITFC he doesn’t seem to have shown much tactical nous. There have been glimpses, but so far he’s binned virtually a whole squad that he was unable to coach to be successful, brought / bought in another and so far hasn’t been able to coach them to win.
I’m not saying he should go, far from it, but the clock is ticking. The squad he has put together looks very impressive and I expect them to get going soon. But evidence elsewhere shows that sometimes it just doesn’t happen, even for good managers. |
that's many people's point, not that poster's though!
it's true that sometimes good managers can't do it at a particular club, but cook's cv is better than anyone we've had since bfj, so i still have hope... | |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 09:56 - Aug 31 with 1141 views | BiGDonnie |
PC's on the verge of absolutely fookin this up and in doing so catapulting himself way above Keane, Jewell and Hurst.
The signing of Walton I like but WTF is the Celina signing all about. Absolute baller at this level but we've not struggled to score goals.
I'm so so close to being firmly in the PC out corner but just can't see who comes in to sort this sh*te out.
Whilst we're ranting, has no one had a moan about how he sent Dyer back to train the U23s' while wife beater Jeffers and kit man Craney work with the first team? Jobs for mates, much! |  |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 10:26 - Aug 31 with 1108 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 22:49 - Aug 30 by Herbivore |
Try reading it again then, more slowly this time. |
Classic Herbs;
"This is a messageboard to express your views."
"Sorry, when I said "your" views I meant my views. Anyone who doesn't share my views will be belittled. I have spoken." |  |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 10:31 - Aug 31 with 1106 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 09:56 - Aug 31 by BiGDonnie |
PC's on the verge of absolutely fookin this up and in doing so catapulting himself way above Keane, Jewell and Hurst.
The signing of Walton I like but WTF is the Celina signing all about. Absolute baller at this level but we've not struggled to score goals.
I'm so so close to being firmly in the PC out corner but just can't see who comes in to sort this sh*te out.
Whilst we're ranting, has no one had a moan about how he sent Dyer back to train the U23s' while wife beater Jeffers and kit man Craney work with the first team? Jobs for mates, much! |
Dyer always was U23s coach, what do you mean sent back?
Craney never was the kit man. It was just a title given to him as Cook had too many named coaches. | |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| Of course he was the kitman.... on 10:39 - Aug 31 with 1091 views | Bloots |
| Meet the new boss, same as the old boss? on 10:31 - Aug 31 by The_Flashing_Smile |
Dyer always was U23s coach, what do you mean sent back?
Craney never was the kit man. It was just a title given to him as Cook had too many named coaches. |
....even Gary Roberts has said so.
Before that he was a bread delivery van driver, who's only interest in football was having a season ticket at Liverpool. |  |
| "The sooner he comes back the better, this place has been a disaster without him" - TWTD User (July 2025) |
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