Speculation over Cooper's future grows

October 6, 2009—

Only a third of the way into the new season and already the growing feeling among Kettering supporters is that the club will soon be losing their manager Mark Cooper. Every time a club parts company with their manager, the media is linking Cooper with the vacant post and the Poppies boss does little to dispel the rumours.

With the recent announcement that Northampton Town have appointed caretaker Ian Sampson until the end of the season, the focus turns to the Luton Town vacancy (following the recent departure of Mick Harford).

During a radio Northampton interview following his sides 1-0 victory away at Eastbourne Borough on Saturday, Cooper was asked if 'he might not be in charge for Kettering's next match.' His reply was, "there's always a chance, isn't there?" Fueling more speculation that his departure could be sooner rather than later.

Having been at the Poppies since May 2007, Cooper led the club to the Blue Square North Championship and last season in the Blue Square Premier they finished a very creditable 8th spot just 5pts off the play-offs. Knocking out Lincoln City and Notts County before scaring Fulham in the FA Cup 4th Round also got the Poppies and manager Mark Cooper more headlines and plaudits.

Kettering Town supporters understand only too well that successful managers are always at a premium and Cooper's record at Rockingham Rd is very impressive given the short time he's been in charge. The Poppies currently occupy 2nd spot in the Blue Square Premier, another fact surely not lost on clubs looking for their next managerial appointment.

The majority of Poppies fans surely won't begrudge Cooper his shot at the 'big-time' when it comes, although most probably thought it wouldn't come around quite this early in the new season. However, I'm not exactly sure if Luton Town provides the best opportunity for Mark Cooper right now. Arguably most fans' favourites for the title at the start of the season, several poor results have made them look a lot more ordinary than expected and (following the defeat at home to Stevenage Borough) led to the departure of Mick Harford.

It was interesting to contrast the coyness of Mark Cooper with the clear response from another manager linked to the vacant Luton Town post, Aldershot boss (and former Hatters player) Gary Waddock. "I'm extremely happy and under contract. I'm extremely pleased with what we're doing here. Rumour and speculation in this football world is incredible."

Cooper's response included what seemed to be an answer to the supporters concerns of what will happen to the Poppies season if he suddenly departs. "I don't think they [Kettering fans] should be worried. They're second in the table with 30 points and are chasing Oxford United down. There are some fantastic football players and characters in the dressing room so there's no way at all they should be worried."

Well there's not much point in being 'worried', because, as with most football clubs, the fans don't control the destiny of their team and as stated before, we are very familiar with successful managers 'moving on'. Given the current circumstances though, it would be a real shame if we didn't get to see whether Mark Cooper could achieve the 'ultimate dream' of League Football for Kettering Town.