Cooper: It all adds up

AFC Bournemouth utility player Shaun Cooper blamed all the changes around the first team squad for last seasons indifferent campaign.

This time 12 months ago, the Cherries travelling faithful were just getting home from the play-off drama at Huddersfield which saw their promotion hopes end with a penalty shoot-out defeat.

Over the course of the summer, nine of the starting eleven that night left the club, leaving then manager Lee Bradbury a huge rebuilding campaign, that only really started after the August transfer window had ended.

Players came and went on loan and deals were struck for many to stay permanently.

The squad dramatically changed over the course of the season with Marc Pugh and Cooper the only players to start the Cherries first and final games of the 2011/12 season.

The Cherries also underwent a managerial change which saw Lee Bradbury depart Dean Court and Paul Groves elevated from the youth team set-up to take over the first team.

With all the changes Cooper believes it had an affect on the teams performances, but he believes that with a settled side going into the new season the club can push for promotion in 2013.

Cooper told the Daily Echo...

"We made a few signings initially and the team took time to settle. Then, we brought in more players, good players who have done very well.

"There have been a lot of changes and there was uncertainty surrounding the manager`s position. Everyone was unsure if he (Lee Bradbury) was going to stay or go. It all adds up. As long as it all starts nice and steadily next season, I think we will do well..."

"...I am one of the senior players now and you learn from every season. We made the play-offs last season and that has got to at least be our aim next season. We will be realistic and know we have got to graft if we are going to get there because there are some good teams in the division."

RednBlack Shack

Don't forget to keep checking the RednBlack Shack for great online deals and help to raise money for the AFC Bournemouth Youth Team.

It's easy to join Vital Bournemouth

Simply register with Vital Bournemouth and enjoy getting involved! (you can even win prizes just by having your say on the articles, polls and forums.)

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.