It’s Monday again which means it’s time for ‘Morning Mix’ – our weekly football column with a bit of music thrown in for good measure.
We look at two talking points from the past seven days and point you in the direction of some of the best football stories elsewhere on the internet.
We also offer a top tune recommendation to get you in the mood for the week ahead and what to watch out for over the coming days. Let’s get the ball rolling.
Don’t buy the Cooper hypocrisy
“We will look after him, we won’t let him down, and try and treat him like a pro footballer who works hard and cares about his career.”
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper there, criticising Blackburn Rovers for failing to submit paperwork to the Football League before the transfer deadline to seal Lewis O’Brien’s loan move.
Rovers claimed there were ‘mitigating reasons’ why the deal was not completed and have submitted an appeal. Their chances of overturning the decision are slim to none.
However, Cooper’s comments that Forest will ‘look after’ O’Brien are laughable. He has underused the midfielder and sanctioned his exit.
Many Forest fans believe Cooper should have given O’Brien more opportunities this season. He’s now axed him from his squad. Look after him? Okie dokie.
Dyche is the right man for Everton
Sean Dyche’s pragmatic style of management during his time in charge of Burnley often led to him receiving plenty of criticism.
However, there is undoubtedly more to Dyche than meets the eye and he could well be the man who kickstarts a massive change in Everton’s fortunes.
Dyche got his tenure at Goodison Park off to a flyer on Saturday, guiding his side to a much-needed victory over title-chasing Arsenal.
The 51-year-old is excellent at getting the best out of individual players and should help to improve Everton’s underachievers over the coming weeks.
The Everton board have not got much right over the past few years but appointing Dyche is certainly a positive move.
The week that was
Are you looking for the best football stories from the past week? Check these out:
- Matthew Langton’s parents on grief, the search for answers, and why football must do better.
- Trying to make sense of Chelsea’s transfer spree: big gambles, but big rewards too?
- Transfer spending is out of control – clubs need saving from themselves.
Today’s top tune
We’ve highlighted some fantastic indie bands on Morning Mix this season. The Lathums are next on the list thanks to their stunning new single.
The band have already built up a loyal following. Their latest release should result in plenty more fans jumping on the bandwagon.
What to watch this week
There will be a special atmosphere at Bramall Lane on Tuesday when Sheffield United face Wrexham in an FA Cup fourth-round replay.
The Blades were given an almighty fright by the non-league club at the Racecourse Ground and are unlikely to have things all their own way in the second meeting.
A final Morning Mix thought
Southampton manager Nathan Jones’ post-match comments after his side’s dismal defeat at Brentford smacked of someone with a rather lofty opinion of themselves.
However, having now lost six of his seven league matches in charge, he would be well advised to reign in the self-aggrandising hyperbole.
Jones was an extremely risky appointment by Southampton. Given how things are going, it will be surprising if he is still in charge at the end of the season.
