I don't dispute facts KDZ, just the assertion that these figures provide "Unequivocal statistical proof that Cook is a worse manager. "
I'll concede that over a similar number of games for different Wigan managers, utilising different playing squads, assembled under differing budgets, with different player availability profiles, against different opposition teams, also operating under different budgets, with different opposition playing squads, managed by different opposition managers at different venues there are definite differences in outcome. It's plain for all to see.
Of course but to get those stats Joyce inherited a squad second bottom, with no preseason and raised about 5m net in player trading. For Cook to get those stats he had 2 full seasons and 5 transfer windows, spending 8m net in the last window - more than any manager since we got relegated.
Not all things are equal but I think it's safe to say Cook had much more favourable circumstances and delivered worse results.
Even if you look at Cooks first 24 games at this level are only marginally better than Joyce disasterous spell and that again included a higher net spend, a pre season plus the initial 5 or 6 wins in first 10 promotion bounce. Cook had every advantage in every situation whichever way you slice it and Cooks best was only about 2pts better than Joyce who many consider the worst. It's not an argument in Cooks favour I genuinely think if you gave Joyce the same circumstances of Cook he'd have a very good chance to get at least 3 more points to better Cooks best at this level.
I believe Joyce went after not winning in 7 games. If we lose to Birmingham Cook would have survived double that winless run.
It makes me chuckle when people say you can use stats to say anything - you can't when they grt this bad. You cant make bottom of league, 15% win ratio - less than any manager in any season in modern era, no win in 13, 1 away win in 40 odd, etc into anything other than failure without being very disengenous.
I don't remember anyone making excuses like this when Joyce was struggling so I find it very confusing how Cook continues to have any defenders when he is doing worse than any manager who was sacked in the past 20 odd years.
I remember saying to someone what will it take for you to conceed Cook has to go back in October and they said no wins by Christmas which at the time seemed almost impossible it could go that long without a win by sheer law of averages - yet here we are and there is still some trying to defend the indefensible. I don't get what spell Cook has over people.
