Cooper calls for unity at Glovers

MARK Cooper has called upon everyone associated with Yeovil Town to unite after taking over at Huish Park on a two-and-a-halfyear contract.

The former Forest Green Rovers and Swindon Town boss had been away from the dugout since he left League Two side Barrow towards the end of last season.

“It’s good to be here,” Cooper told the official club website after his appointment was confirmed.

“I already know a few of the players and staff, so I’m excited and really looking forward to it.

“If you look historically, this can be a big club. We need to unite – the players, and the supporters. Everybody needs to come together and that can play such a big part.”

The 53-year-old has previously managed ten clubs across the EFL and National League, leading Swindon to a League One play-off final and Forest Green into the EFL for the first time in the history of the club – an achievement that Glovers fans would love him to repeat in Somerset.

“He is a manager I’ve admired for a long time,” said the National League club’s chairman Scott Priestnall. “Mark has all the credentials we are looking for.”

Chris Todd and Marcus Stewart, who were part of the backroom staff under previous boss Chris Hargreaves, will assist Cooper.

Yeovil visit fellow-strugglers Maistone this afternoon.

NEW Yeovil Town boss Mark Cooper will lean heavily on Chris Todd and Marcus Stewart when selecting his team to take on Maidstone in the National League this afternoon.

Todd and Stewart worked under former manager Chris Hargreaves, and Cooper will see what they think ahead of naming his side in Kent.

“As it’s so close to the weekend, it’s important I trust the staff that are here – Chris Todd, Marcus Stewart. They’ve got a good handle on what’s needed, I’ll be relying on them to help pick the right team. I’ll have an input, but I’ll use their judgement as we won’t get too much time on the training pitch.”

Gloucester City have made a terrific start to life under new boss Steve King, but their good run will come under scrutiny today when National North leaders King’s Lynn visit New Meadow Park.

Hereford, who tackle League One side Portsmouth in the FA Cup next week, go away to fellow mid-tablers Curzon Ashton.

In the National South, in-form Bath City will hope to maintain their charge when Dover pay a visit to Twerton Park, while Taunton, who are currently on a long winless run in the league, host Tonbridge, and Chippenham go to Concord Rangers.