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Cook: To Play For This Club, You Have to Carry a Little Bit More Weight on Your Shoulders
Tuesday, 16th Mar 2021 22:43

Boss Paul Cook admitted that his side had put in a “really poor performance” as they were beaten 2-0 at Fleetwood Town and says his players need to “carry a little bit more weight” on their shoulders.

Goals from ex-Town loanee Callum Connolly and Ged Garner saw the Cod Army to a deserved victory.

“The last thing the supporters need to hear is me coming on saying adjectives that can describe a really difficult night for us, a really poor performance,” Cook said. “I’m sure you can come on and you can say so many things when you play like that. To say we’re disappointed is an understatement. To say we’ve got to be better is a given.

“As I’ve just said to the players after the game, we have to be better. To play for this club, you have to carry a little bit more weight on your shoulders because every time you play against opposition, they are bang up for beating Ipswich Town in this league.

“Not different than the Sunderland lads have it probably, no different probably than the Pompey lads.

“And if you dip short on performance, you get beat. And we’re finding that out to our cost at the minute.”

Is that pressure weighing too heavily on the players’ shoulders? “No, you’re not going to drag me into comments that I don’t [want to make]. I just think tonight we got beaten fair and square, we were second best all over the pitch and sometimes you’ve got to take that as a manager.”

Asked why the display was so poor following Saturday’s home win against Plymouth and an impressive first 20 minutes against the Pilgrims, Cook said: “I think if you look at our consistency this season, it probably wasn’t a surprising performance.

“I think we’re quite consistently inconsistent, aren’t we? That’s something as a manager you don’t like. You want a level performance out of players.

“Conceding goals after six minutes away from home, in the three games I’ve watched, Accrington, Gillingham and Fleetwood, you give yourselves mountains to climb away from home.


“If you look back, it was probably only the Accrington sending off that saved us because that game took a very similar pattern to this.

“There’s so much work to be done, I really look forward to getting my teeth into the work. But, like I said to the players, I really am looking for lads that I can see signs of life in and trust, where you go ‘yeah, you can be part of a club and a team that takes us forward’.

“They’ve all got that opportunity at the minute and certainly one or two didn’t play like that tonight, that’s for sure.”

More work than he expected? “No, not at this football management game, if it was easy we’d all be doing it, wouldn’t we?

“We’ve got to stay with these players, that’s my plea to our supporters watching difficult nights like tonight. Managing’s tough because you really do get worked up inside and I can be quite hot-headed with the best of them.

“But on this run-in now, we don’t have time for negativity, we can only have positivity because we have an excellent chance of still achieving something that, albeit tonight as we drive home - and it will sink in with the players - it feels distant. But it’s not distant it really is within touching distance.”

So no need for harsh words? “Oh no, I wouldn’t say that, I think there are harsh words in dressing rooms, I just don’t think it’s the right thing to do in the press because I think the players, for whatever reason now, if you look back 18 months to the relegation, not going up last year for whatever reason, this season similar.

“Sometimes the players have probably heard negativity and conversations from Paul Hurst, Paul Lambert and Paul Cook because the reality is that’s what the performances have been offering up. We’ve got to change that as a group of people and a group of men.”

Cook dismissed the suggestion that injured pair James Norwood and Flynn Downes were missed.

“We didn’t miss them Saturday when we won, did we?” the Blues boss responded. “Flynn went off and James wasn’t there, but you always miss players and this is something we’ve got to get away from - the minute you lose a game now players who haven’t played become better players, and that’s not right.

“The lads who started tonight had earned that right. Cole Skuse came in who is an excellent player, has been an outstanding servant to the club.

“And because we have a disappointing night we can’t just look to say that people who weren’t here should have been here and should have been playing.

“The team that was picked tonight was comfortably good enough to win the game for Ipswich Town.”

Quizzed on whether Myles Kenlock, who was subbed in the second half, had a particularly tough evening. Cook said he could have replaced plenty of other players, as he could have done in the Blues’ previous away game.

“At Gillingham away, no different than tonight, I could have made four or five substitutions at half-time,” he said.

“But as well as trying to get promoted, I’m also trying to find out about the character and the players, and that can be tough for a manager because while you want to help them and make changes, sometimes it’s only in adversity you find out about people.

“We go through adversity one week and pleasure the next, if you like. And that’s not fair on the supporters, that’s not fair on everyone.”

Questioned on whether Norwood, who has been suffering from back spasms, has got a chance for the weekend, Cook joked: “You can’t ask me three questions about James Norwood, you’ve asked me two and now you want to get three in! I think the cleaners at the training ground have got a chance of playing on Saturday the way we played, so there you go, live with that one.”

Fleetwood boss Simon Grayson was delighted with his side's performance.

“I thought we were very good tonight, there were some really good elements to our game, we were positive, and we made a really quick start with and without the ball. We got in their faces and never allowed them to settle," he told his club's official website.

“They have some good players, who with time on the ball they can really hurt you, but we never allowed them to do that because when we had possession with the ball, we were very composed and used it really well.

“Our shape was really good, and we pressed them in certain areas, we dropped off when we needed to and we mixed up our game really well. Overall it was a really good collective performance.”


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Ipswichbusiness added 09:46 - Mar 17
“Cole Skuse came in who is an excellent player, has been an outstanding servant to the club.”

I agree with the second half of that, but note the past tense his time has been and gone. He is not an excellent player. When we select an ageing defensive midfielder of limited ability who cannot pass forwards over someone like Teddy Bishop then we send a poor message to our team and encourage the opposition.

Much the same could be said about Chambers, who is inexplicably keeping young Matheson out.
9

martin587 added 09:47 - Mar 17
I'm 100% behind PC but that performance last night was one of the worst I have ever seen.We were out fought in every department and it was terrible to watch.PC has inherited a total load of crap and he must be cringing at what he witnessed at Fleetwood.We need a massive clear out.All of those players on the pitch should hang there heads in shame and didn't deserve to be wearing a town shirt.We are so inconsistent and that was a total waste of £10 to watch that dross.
12

BcarefulwhatUWish4 added 10:21 - Mar 17
Good comments from Paul Cook. He clearly realises the scale of the task ahead. Fleetwood Mac were stronger on and off the ball and clinical when they needed to be. We do seem really inconsistent and that needs to be addressed.
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BcarefulwhatUWish4 added 10:22 - Mar 17
Fleetwood Town not Fleetwood Mac
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Northstandveteran added 10:32 - Mar 17
Your 1st post was quite believable becarefulwhatyouwish4
4

carlo88 added 10:42 - Mar 17
A midfielder who scores two league goals in eight years and over 250 appearances is not a great player whichever criteria you use.
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juniorblue added 10:42 - Mar 17
I nearly paid £10 yesterday, but feel relieved that I changed my mind. Currently, any manager would struggle to get consistent performances from the players. Too many of them believe they are better than they are, and have got used to performing badly and getting away with it. PC is getting the measure of them and I have belief that he can, given time and help in the transfer market, build a team capable of promotion back to the championship. As for the majority of the players, they need to feel rather ashamed at the moment.
4

Texastom added 10:48 - Mar 17
Intelligent and pertinent comments on here.

These performances are goodnews in terms PC now knows for sure what a huge task he has been presented with. Great honesty PC excellent.

My only concern is if he can't make the changes he wants he will walk, there will be plenty of Owners queuing up for his services.
5

WhoisJimmyJuan added 10:54 - Mar 17
Great comments in support of PC on here. Bottom line i will keep repeating is that if he can't turn things around it will be final proof that there is something badly wrong with the club and the players. Rather than the manager. Agree, big summer ahead.
2

KenHancocksBoot added 11:02 - Mar 17
It seems we have a vast squad of average players who have no interest in improving. How many could say they are better players this year than 2 years ago? Most seem to be worse players. Looking forward to the clear out and their vast wages used to finance 2 or 3 players of real fight and quality to take us forward. Hopefully also ME has learned that his previous strategy has failed and needs re-thinking
5

Razor added 11:26 - Mar 17
I see the cheeky chappy has already charmed many of our supporters and can basically say what he likes.

Why do we have to stick with these players, especially if they wear our shirt and represent our club last night?


We must do better-----crikey we are in safe hands!!
1

Fatboy added 11:27 - Mar 17
There are undoubtedly talented players in our squad, at least by League One standards, and by that measure alone we do have one of the best squads in the division. What we lack is all the other things that are needed in a successful team: leadership, passion, fight, someone who can take the game by the scruff of the neck and inspire those around him. Basically, a Jim Magilton-type. Cook has previously commented on how quiet the dressing room is and I believe he has recognised this as a problem. There have been far too many games this season where we just haven't turned up and none of the players have been able to step up to the plate to do anything about it.
3

Drifter3012 added 11:27 - Mar 17
Like everyone else, pleased that Cook can see the reality of what has happened at the club.
Also hoping for a big clear out.
My main concern is that if he is watching the training day in, day out and still puts Chambers, Skuse, Dozzel, Edwards & Jackson in, how bad are the other players he has on hand?
In my opinion, Bennetts & Dobra may lack finesse but at least they give it a go and pace always gets defenders jittery so I am hoping Cook gives them more opportunities before too long.
With those 2 and Norwood & Parrot playing side by side, the play offs is a reasonable ask and again anything can happen then.

I agree at present we would get stuffed most weeks if we got promoted, but we are more likely to get some better players come in and maybe, just maybe ME would chuck in some extra cash.
1

dirtydingusmagee added 11:56 - Mar 17
Paul Cook, you need to kick this shower into life, dont mother them. Dont give all , dont play at all. They are all soft, if you make them cry ,so be it .
2

brendenward35 added 12:15 - Mar 17
One thing I like is his keeping players names out of the press, basically says we can see who not putting in a shift ourselves without him having to say it. Someone mentioned a Jim in midfield pushing the players that exactly the missing piece of the puzzle. Rarely see Chambers stepping up to the challenge when a game is going the wrong way. I'm sure by next season we'll see a strong midfield with some players that can boss games and get the team going as we haven't had that for many years. I can see 10+ players or more going we have 6-7 loan players for starters. Fingers crossed Marcus see sense and give this guy a bit of cash to spend to get us out of the league otherwise we'll still be in the same place next season. I know this might seem crazy I'd rather he built a good strong league 1 team before we get promoted otherwise we will be good contenders to be back in league one. Good luck PC your a wise guy and I'm sure within a few weeks you'll know who to trust and who needs to find another club.
2

Lightningboy added 12:18 - Mar 17
Cook doesn't have his regular assistant manager/coach with him at the moment does he? 🤔

I honestly hope this isn't going to be a case of Lambert/Culverhouse again.
3

Buryblue78 added 13:23 - Mar 17
Of course everyone wants to make the playoffs etc etc and PC will not give up on that
However it is obvious that he sees the club needs a massive shake up
Players like Jackson who simply doesn't try or care enough can go
Luckily I believe 22 players are out of contract this summer so he isn't hamstrung by lengthy contracts
Those out of contract can either go or EARN a new one over the next few months
Too many on the gravy train
I reckon PC knew all this before he signed and will shape his own squad
That's where ME comes in...........
Hopefully PC will show he is worth backing unlike many of his predecessors
5

blueboy1981 added 13:55 - Mar 17
No time for any sentiment - too many loafers, time to hoof out.
The Badge has been too easy on them to wear.
Let them see how easy it will be for them to earn an equivalent income elsewhere .... !!!
Quite a few (in fact most) will be in for a nasty SHOCK !!
4

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 15:10 - Mar 17
PC cannot be expected to do much until next season as he's stuck with the players he has, so it's completely unfair to knock him at the moment (not that too many people have). I don't like the idea as I generally try to stay loyal to our own players, but I do think a big clear-out is finally necessary. Bring in McGavin, Dobra, and Baggott and (sadly) sell one of Dozzell or Downes for a bit of cash. I like both these players, but they are the only ones who anyone might actually be willing to purchase. Many others, who I will not be mean enough to name, should probably just be bought off and new blood brought in. Time to bite the bullet, Marcus. With PC it CAN be done, but he needs backing.
3

inghamspur added 15:57 - Mar 17
I've thought all along that this group of players simply isn't good enough. There are a lot of comments about how good our young players are, but Downes aside, the rest are just not up to it I'm afraid. As for the rest of the squad, then a complete clear out is really what is needed but can't see how replacements cab be funded - unless the owner at last realises that is what is needed or the takeover happens.
2

del45 added 16:22 - Mar 17
Trouble is most of the players have pea size brains when it comes to playing football when u think they train ?? 4days a week??.
0

RobITFC added 16:26 - Mar 17
Probably the most important pre-season this summer in the club's history. Massive turn around required to make us ready to return to the championship. We simply are not ready for it with this squad of players.
4

Linkboy13 added 17:05 - Mar 17
It's going to take two or three years to sort this out and get rid of most of the players in this squad. We need to start producing far better young players none of them have come to the fore this season and this is a very poor league. Brett Mcgavin who is on loan at Ayr United can't get in their team.
2

istanblue added 17:14 - Mar 17
Utter garbage and an embarrassing result. If this was Lambert in charge people would be going mental. Just further proves my point about how things won't change until Evans is out of this club. #EvansOut
1

moggasnotebook added 18:16 - Mar 17
Problem is that a player who ‘looks good in training' doesn't have to be that great to look good against our first team squad. 11 v 11 training match are chances are 50% of the players you are playing against are not close to our first team....... reckon I would ‘look good' in training in odd flashes. Problem is when players then play league football against real opponents they find they are not as good as they think they are. THERE IS NO WAY MARCUS CAN BE BLAMED FOR THAT.
0


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