Cooper calls time on his tenure at Windsor after three seasons in charge

After three seasons in charge, Mark Cooper has called time on his tenure as Windsor FC boss, tendering his resignation late last week.

Cooper (right) arrived at Stag Meadow in September 2019 following the sudden departure of Mick Woodham and safely steered the Royalists through a series of COVID-impacted campaigns.

In their most recent season he guided the club to a more than respectable seventh placed finish in the Combined Counties Premier Division North, despite not having a playing budget or – through injury – his strongest side available until the second half of the season.

This week Cooper spoke to the Advertiser and gave the reasons behind his departure.

He said: “It’s a very difficult decision in leaving Windsor but with the prospect of another season without a budget, combined with the club not outlining their position on whether they wanted me to continue, there was only one option for me.

“I had a great time both as a player and manager here but I don’t want to continue putting in the huge amount of time and effort that is required into a project without the necessary resources to be successful.

“When I took over in 2019, the club was languishing near the bottom of the table with the bare bones of a team. At the end of last season, we were in great form losing once in the last eight games, had put together a good squad, and finished seventh in the table. With a small bit of investment we could have added the players necessary to challenge for promotion next season but it is what it is and I look forward to my next challenge.

“A huge thank you to Brooko, Malc, and all the players that put so much effort into this voluntarily. It’s a huge commitment three days a week for the love of the game, and thanks to the supporters who supported us through good times and bad.”

A statement on the club’s website read: “Windsor FC would like to wish Mark all the best in his future endeavours and thanks him for his contribution over the last three seasons.

“Updates as to a successor will be announced in due course.”