New Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper has said he will “have an input” in to his new side’s match against Maidstone United this weekend.
However, he is expecting Chris Todd, assistant manager to his predecessor Chris Hargreaves, and the club’s Head of Player Development Marcus Stewart to take the team for the National League fixture.
The 53-year-old, who previously managed Forest Green Rovers and Swindon Town, was confirmed on a two-and-a-half year contract on Friday morning following Hargreaves’ exit the previous day.
In an interview with the club’s YouTube channel, Cooper said: “Because it’s so close to the weekend, it’s important I trust the staff that are here, Chris Todd and Marcus Stewart, who have a good handle on what is needed. So I will be relying on them picking the right team on Saturday.
“I will have an input, but it’s important that I use their judgement because we will not have too much time on the training pitch.”
No mention was made in the interview about it, however, Cooper appears to still have two matches of an eight-match touchline ban he picked up having been found guilty by an independent FA panel of using “abusive and/or insulting words” towards a female assistant referee which “included a reference, whether express or implied, to gender.”
Cooper denied the allegations but a panel later found them to be proven and imposed the ban. However, if it is still two matches he has to serve then this would prevent him being on the touchline on Saturday and for next Tuesday’s trip to Darren Sarll’s Woking.
He would be available for his first home match at home to Maidenhead United on Tuesday 8th November.
In his interview, the new boss said he would be focusing on “simplicity” in his instructions to his new squad as he bids to rebuild their confidence after a start to the season which has seen them win just two matches in their first 17 in all competitions.
They dropped in to the National League relegation zone after Tuesday night’s 2-0 home defeat to Aldershot Town which spelled the end of Hargreaves’ reign, and face a Maidstone side two places and one point behind them in the table.
Cooper said: “When players are fragile confidence-wise it is about simplicity. That is going to be the key message, let’s keep it simple.
“Asking players to do what they are good at and play to what their strengths are is really important, that is the message we will be getting across.
“The first thing I ask for is to give everything you’ve got, and that covers a multitude of sins and we can add other things as we go. I am sure from what I have seen and been told, it is a good group that doesn’t lack in effort and desire.”
In a message to fans, the new boss said: “I have been here when it’s been packed and it’s been a hostile atmosphere and we need to get that back.
“I know it’s difficult when you are not winning games and there’s a mistrust between the club (and the supporters).
“I will just say ‘come and back these players, I can’t guarantee you results, but I can guarantee you we will have a real good go and be on the front foot.”