Swansea City manager Steve Cooper has played down reports suggesting he could replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace, in quotes reported by Football London.
With the Eagles looking to revamp an ageing squad with a crop of highly talented youngsters, who better to oversee the transition than Cooper?
Before building on Graham Potter’s foundations to turn an unfancied Swansea side into genuine promotion contenders, the 41-year-old Welshman led an England team including Phil Foden, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jadon Sancho to glory at the U17 World Cup.
Did we mention Cooper was also head of Liverpool’s academy?
Either way, one of the most promising young coaches in British football feels like a good bet for a Crystal Palace side that may be looking for a fresh start when Roy Hodgson’s contract expires (Sun, 14 February, page 65).
However, with Swansea preparing for a Championship clash with a resurgent Nottingham Forest, Cooper is fully focused on the task in hand – namely, ensuring the top flight has a Welsh representative next term.
“All of that’s irrelevant. Not even worth talking about,” Cooper said when asked about Crystal Palace’s interest.
“We’re in this mad schedule and the only thing I’m focused on is the team and preparing for the next game. No sideshows and certainly nothing to talk about.
“We stick together and carry on with our work. We’re focused on what’s in front of us – and I’m no different.”
Interestingly, Crystal Palace’s next Premier League fixture will take them to arch-rivals Brighton – another club that replaced an old-school tactician with an up-and-coming coach who honed his talents at the Liberty Stadium.
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