Cooper: “The boys were fantastic”

It was victory in Solihull for Yeovil Town this afternoon. Goals from Josh Sims (maybe?), Ciaran McGuckin and Alex Whittle lifted spirits following the departure of Frank Nouble earlier in the day. Mark Cooper spoke to BBC Somerset’s Josh Perkins following the match and here’s what he had to say.

Josh Perkins: Mark, it must be said, what a performance from your team.

Mark Cooper: The boys were fantastic. Followed on from a really spirited performance last Saturday. And you know, we asked them for the same endeavor, the same spirit, same commitment, and we showed that again today. And if you do that, you end up sometimes getting a little bit of luck. And we were worthy winners today. And yeah, it feels good.

Josh Perkins: I said on commentary that. I think especially away from home, that’s your best performance of the season. Would you agree?

Mark Cooper: We’ve won some, we’ve won quite a few games away from home, and we won at Wealdstone, we won at Fylde. We’ve won some entertaining games away from home. But in terms of that, we were never really in danger today. There was one at the end, that when you’re 3-0  it up you switch off a little bit. Apart from that, we were really comfortable, and our organisation was really good, and we looked solid. Compact.

Josh Perkins: The pick of three goals, really, is Alex Whittle’s. We’ll get to his. The first goal. Josh Sims will, will claim it, I’m sure goes down as an own goal. But just your thoughts on that Josh Sims/ own goal and Ciaran McGuckins goal as well, because that was taken well.

Mark Cooper:  We’ve had to change the way we play because we haven’t got how we worked all preseason to play. We’ve got most of those players missing. So we’ve had to change to a 4-3-3, and that’s then about getting the ball to your wide players. And the work has been me screaming at the two wide players every time they get it to take people on. Simsy [Josh Sims], the last couple of games has been good. We’ve needed that from him, because he’s had a slow start for us, and I spoke to him about it, and he’s got so much ability. But, if he can keep that going and get better and better then we’ve got a real player there. But his goal was great, and then a great move for Ciaran’s goal. He needed that. Like I said to you before the game, if in January, Frank had gone and I’d have said we were bringing Ciaran in to replace Frank, everyone would have been cock-a-hoop, but because he’s had a stop-start time since he came back, it’s, ‘why have we done this? Why have we done that?’ So I’m really pleased for him. He got horrendous tackle in the first half, had to go off for that.

Josh Perkins: Good finish from him. And Alex Whittle, what a finish from him. I immediately saw him wheel away in celebration to the technical area and to you just talk me through that.

Mark Cooper: “The best clearance I’ve ever seen. I’m pleased. He’s a good character, and that’s a great finish for him. It’s one of them that either flies in or ends up on the runway at the airport down the road. But no, really pleased. I’m really pleased for fans. 240 proper fans, again, travel three hours, and they cheer the team on from start to finish. No negativity. And it’s really good. Maybe it’s a coincidence, when the fans get behind you, you can win a game.

Josh Perkins: Well, I noticed Khan as well, and his his reintroduction to Yeovil. I thought he played really well today.

Mark Cooper: Yeah, he’s a good footballer. Understands the game. He knows where to be, with the ball, without the ball, and, yeah, really pleased.

Josh Perkins: Just away from this game and in terms of injuries, I know you’re probably sick of hearing this, but any any closer to seeing the likes of McGavin and Wannell?

Mark Cooper: Brett McGavin, I don’t think we’ll play again this season. Horrendous tackle last Saturday against York. So Brett, that’s another key starter we’re missing, but we’re not allowed to mention that. Are we? One thing I have learned is that at Yeovil it doesn’t matter what you’ve got to be available. If you had eight under 12 players, you’d still be expected to win, and that’s the deal. So I’d just like to say thank you to the Chairman. He’s been steadfast in the support for players and staff. A proper Chairman, that’s what you need. He lets us get on with the job. He understands the situation we’re in.