Video: Mark Cooper describes his style of play and initial feelings on Notts
Notts County have unveiled their third manager of the season – former Swindon boss Mark Cooper.
He has taken over at Meadow Lane until the end of the season with a view to extending his contract further down the line.
The 47-year-old was the bookie’s favourite when Ricardo Moniz got sacked but an impressive interview from Jamie Fullarton meant Cooper has had to wait for his Meadow Lane chance.
Cooper has been informed that he will be given the job on a permanent basis if he can reach an undisclosed points total agreed with the Magpies board.
Swindon relieved Cooper of his duties after a run of one win in eight games last October and he was replaced by Chairman Lee Power in bizarre circumstances.
He is now hoping to secure a longer contract and entertain the Magpies fans who became disillusioned with Fullarton.
Cooper said: “Whenever you come into a new job and somebody else has left, there are certain players who perhaps didn’t have a great relationship with the manager and there’ll be those that do. It would be the same if I leave.
“It’s how you manage that and how you bring them all together. I’ve got a pretty open and laid-back style. If they give me everything on the pitch and in training they’ll have a good time.”
- Was well-travelled as a player and had spells at Birmingham, Fulham, Leyton Orient and Exeter before dropping down to non-league football
- The former midfielder scored 115 goals in 457 games throughout his playing career
- Led Swindon Town to League One Play-off final in 2015 (lost 4-0 to Preston)
- Has also managed clubs such as Tamworth, Peterborough and Kettering Town
- Was heavily linked with Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 2015
There was a well-publicised feud between Fullarton and midfielder Stanley Aborah, but Cooper confirmed that he had spoken to the player and it was all water under the bridge.
“I’ve had a chat with Stanley this morning, I think on both parts the situation could have been dealt with differently but I am here purely to concentrate on the football. I want to put as many good players as I can in the team to help the way I want to play.
“Stanley comes into the reckoning as much as the rest of the players. He’s a good footballer and if he can help us, he’ll play.”
Social round-up: What do Magpies fans think of the appointment?
Happy with Mark Cooper appointment. Atmosphere yesterday wasn't pretty, should get fans back on side #notts
— Jack Carnell (@JackCarnell_) March 20, 2016
Delighted with the Mark Cooper appointment. Be great to see some unity back at Meadow Lane. Stags away excites me now. #notts
— Dane Vincent (@upDV) March 20, 2016
If only Cooper had been appointed after Moniz all the vitriol could have been avoided #ncfc #notts
— Dunc (@GethingDuncan) March 20, 2016
Image: Notts County fans have their say on Cooper’s appointment on Twitter
Cooper will not have long to wait for his first game, as the Magpies make the long journey to Fratton Park to face play-off chasing Portsmouth on Friday.
