INDIAN FOOTBALL

Want to build a team that’s sustainable & consistent, says new JFC coach Scott Cooper

In the 2022–23 ISL season, Jamshedpur FC finished 10th in the 11-team tournament. The League Shield winner of 2021–22 had a forgettable season last year as they failed to perform continuously. To regain their past glory and to make their fans happy, the Men of Steel have signed 53-year-old English manager Scott Cooper.

Scott Cooper, an experienced tactician, will be in the hot seat at Jamshedpur FC for the upcoming season. Cooper may have to face some difficulties in the upcoming season as he is new to India. But Cooper is determined to face a formidable task to restore the team’s past fame.

Coach Profile: Scott Cooper:

The Irish-England coach, Scott Cooper, has more than twenty years’ experience in his managerial career. He started his coaching career at Chester City Football Club in 1999. Later, he managed the Montserrat and Anguilla national teams.

In 2010, he joined Leister City, where he developed their youth teams. Later, he also managed the youth and senior teams of Buriam United. Cooper was also appointed as the head coach of Muanthong United.

Thereafter, Cooper was at the helm of several Asian teams, like Mitra Kukar, Ubon UMT United, and Police Tero. In 2018, he was appointed as a senior team adviser for the Philippine National Team. His last stint was at Port FC in Thailand.

On Joining Jamshedpur FC:

On joining the Men of Steel, Scott Cooper said,

“After meeting key people and listening to their vision for the club, it became apparent that we are very much aligned in the thought process. I’m also a Steel City boy, and that played some emotional connection too.”

Coach Scott Cooper’s Philosophy:

Cooper, an attacking-minded coach, prefers to go with a 4-3-3 formation. He likes to form his midfield with a pivot and the other two central midfielders playing just ahead of the pivot. He loves to maintain ball possession and tries to dominate the game with accurate passing.

The Jamshedpur FC Project:

The English tactician shared,

“Well, any coach must look at two aspects: winning and developing players. We have to make sure these two elements are alive and well. It’s a matter of building a team that’s sustainable in terms of consistency; the club and the team need that. Consistency is the key now for the team.”

Scott Cooper also added,

“So we are looking to play in a way that fits the club and players that match that. A method that is identifiable that players and coaches at all ages in the club can relate to.”

Emphasis on Youth Development:

Throughout his managerial career, Scott Cooper has spent most of his time in youth development. He is adept at developing raw talents and offering them a platform to become future stars.

Sharing his thoughts on Youth development, Cooper said,

“You can expect youngsters who are showing the signs to be given opportunities, yes. If you are good enough, you are old enough. There is nothing better for fans than witnessing a young, developed player come through.”

Message towards the supporters:

Scott Cooper also mentioned what the fans can expect from his team. To the Red Miners, he said,

“They can expect passion, hard work, transparency, and above all, a way of playing that they will enjoy.”

Moreover, the Men of Steel’s supporters are optimistic and ambitious that their team will reclaim their past glory under their new manager, Scott Cooper.

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