MARK COOPER has left his position as interim boss of AFC Telford United to become the new assistant manager of League One side Swindon Town.
Cooper arrived at the New Bucks Head on the final day of the January transfer window, stepping in to fill the role left vacant by former England international Andy Sinton.
The Bucks have since picked up just one point from five games and now lie bottom of the Blue Square Bet Premier, four points from safety having played more games than any other team in the division.
Speaking about Cooper’s departure, Bucks chairman Lee Carter said: “We are obviously disappointed to see Mark go but very much wish him all the best in his new role.
“He had been out of work for 12 months and very much deserves the break. He was great to work with, but make no mistake – you almost need to be a magician to solve some of the underlying problems within the team.”
Former Redditch United and Boston United boss Graham Hyde has been placed in charge until the end of the season and Carter has urged all those involved at the club to work together to beat the drop.
“Now is the time for everyone to put their differences to one side and focus on surviving in this league,” he said.
“This includes certain individuals amongst the playing staff who should be embarrassed that they have pick pocketed a living from the community who fund and support this club.
“It also includes individuals around the club who think that the way to get out of this position is to point fingers, apportion blame and generally shout nonsensical abuse at people who are trying their best in the most difficult of circumstances. I ask for unity and know that is a quality that the fans and officials can do best.
“That said, there is only one group of people who can really make a difference to our current position and they now need to repay the club and at least demonstrate that they care.”
Read more about this story in this Sunday’s issue of The Non-League Paper – the original and best source of Non-League news, views and match reports.
