Source: Northern_Echo
Cooper offers a chance to all
THE Darlington squad returns for pre-season training next week and everyone has an equal chance of impressing Mark Cooper.[LNB] He was appointed on Tuesday and has been quick to point out that every player will be handed an opportunity.[LNB] Before heading to Hereford Simon Davey, who was in charge before Ryan Kidd's 12- day spell, had been well on the way to building a squad at The Northern Echo Arena and had released many of last season's players.[LNB] Chris Lumsdon, injured for much of the campaign, was not in Davey's plans, however, Cooper's arrival means the former Carlisle midfielder may be handed a reprieve.[LNB] They've all got one-year deals so they will all get a chance, said Cooper. I'm not one of them that comes in and says I don't want you, go and train with the kids'. They'll all get a chance, I'll be really fair.[LNB] As a player that's how you want to be treated, you want to be treated fairly and professionally.[LNB] If the players show the effort that I'm looking for then they will play.[LNB] The players are probably thinking what's going on here' and wondering if they're going to get a phone call from Hereford.[LNB] But I'm very fair, if they're right with me I'll be right with them. Everybody will get a chance to impress.[LNB] Cooper wants three or four more players, and added: The squad needs some experienced players to help the young ones that are already here. There's 17 players signed but there's about five or six young ones among there.[LNB] I'm all for working with a small tight-knit squad. I'm not one for massive squads.[LNB] When I went to Peterborough I had 50 players and I still don't know half of their names![LNB] Cooper faces a quick return to former club Kettering Town as the Blue Square Bet Premier fixtures have handed Darlington a trip to Rockingham Road on the second weekend of the season.[LNB] Cooper was Kettering boss for two-and-a-half years until heading to Peterborough midway through last season.[LNB] On the first day of the season Quakers are home to Newport County who were promoted from the Conference South last season.[LNB] Gateshead are at the Arena on Saturday, August 28 and Quakers make the return trip on Tuesday, December 28.[LNB]
