Source: Northern_Echo
Cooper admits Posh trio on his radar
Darlington'S much-changed squad will enjoy a getting to know you session when they commence pre-season training today.[LNB] As well as a clutch of new players, Quakers also have a new boss in Mark Cooper who along with assistant Richard Dryden will meet the players for the first time when they gather at their Durham training base.[LNB] Seven players have arrived since the end of last season including Michael Brough who joined on Monday and in doing so became Cooper first signing, and the ex-Kettering boss hopes has his eyes on several other targets.[LNB] He admits that former Quakers ace Liam Hatch is in his sights, however, Cooper is not hopeful of completing a deal for the Peterborough United forward.[LNB] Cooper also wants Exodus Geohaghon and Josh Simpson from Posh, the club he managed briefly last season.[LNB] Asked about the Peterborough triumvirate, Cooper said: I doubt if we'll get any of them because of money and obviously they would prefer to go a Football League club.[LNB] But Cooper said: We're in talks with three or four players but if we don't get them we'll move on to the next part of the list. Hopefully by the end of next week we will have two or three through the door.[LNB] I need some players that know the level we're going into. They might be in the Football League at the moment but have played in the Blue Square before which is important.[LNB] It is important that we add two or three that are experienced and have been successful in the Blue Square - they're the type we're going for at the moment.[LNB] Meanwhile, Cooper has brushed off speculation that German defender Dominik Werling had performed a uturn on his move to the club.[LNB] The left-back agreed to join at the end of last season but Simon Davey quit as manager soon after, as did his successor Ryan Kidd.[LNB] Cooper admits the turbulent situation concerned the left-back, but he will join in training today.[LNB] Darlington's manager said last night: He turned up today and we're looking forward to speaking to Dominik.[LNB] Obviously this move is a big deal for Dominik because he is coming over here from Germany and has been a bit worried that the previous two managers have gone and they weren't in contact with him.[LNB] He was a bit worried about coming into the unknown so we've got to put his mind at rest which is understandable.[LNB] He signed a contract, he is here and will be in training on Thursday.[LNB] Cooper and Dryden have just over a week to prepare for Quakers' first pre-season friendly which is at home to Sunderland on July 17.[LNB] Cooper added: I've spoken to one or two players on the phone but I'll meet them all tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it.[LNB] Myself and Richard are both quite hands on, we'll both be taking charge of the training and it will be good to get back into it.[LNB]
