Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries success is all new for committed Cooper
SHAUN Cooper used to measure Cherries' success by their ability to avoid failure.[LNB] Now, he uses a different yardstick.[LNB] Cooper this week became the latest squad member to sign a new contract when he penned a two-and-a-half year deal, committing him to the club at least until 2013.[LNB] Arguably the most technically gifted player on the books, Cooper's adaptability has seen him utilised in various positions during his six seasons at Dean Court.[LNB] Signed by Sean O'Driscoll following his release by Portsmouth in 2005, the Isle of Wight-born utility man is currently serving his fifth manager in fellow Islander Lee Bradbury.[LNB] A regular in his first four seasons at Dean Court, the highest finish Cooper could manage was 17th in the third flight in his debut campaign. Cherries fared two places worse the following season before Cooper's CV registered an unwanted and undeserved relegation in 2008. Pivotal to Cherries' Great Escape under Eddie Howe in 2009, major hip surgery restricted Cooper to just six appearances during last season's promotion.[LNB] It is a great feeling to be playing and winning, said Cooper, who has lined up in both midfield and defence this season. You enjoy it so much more when you are winning.[LNB] My first four years were spent trying to fight off relegation, although administration sent us down in 2008.[LNB] Now, we go into every game with the belief we can win. In the past, and although we had fantastic and technically-gifted players, we didn't quite have the mentality or the physical side of things that we've got now.[LNB] This is definitely the best squad we have had at the club since I have been here. Don't get me wrong, we have had some fantastic individuals in the team in the past, but, as a unit, this is the best for me. We have got great individuals and the balance of the team is good. It's great to be a part of it.[LNB] The players are fit and we have got pace throughout the team. We are together and the whole group are winners. It is a brilliant combination and there is something special here.[LNB] While Cooper believes the class of 2011 is the best he has played with, the 27-year-old also knows that Cherries need to be in tip-top condition to punch their weight in League One.[LNB] He added: We are well aware that we need to be flat-out and can't take our foot off the gas in any game because it will cost us. We need everybody at it in every game. We know our strengths and weaknesses and prepare fully.[LNB] There are some big clubs in this division, people like to call them the big guns. They have got fantastic history and players with big reputations.[LNB] Our squad has a number of players who are at the start of their careers. They might not come with impressive CVs but they are starting to forge reputations for themselves. Hopefully, they will help the club go on to bigger and better things.[LNB]
