Source: Northern_Echo
Cooper’s position remains in doubt
Mark Cooper's future as Darlington manager remains unclear - he says he would like to stay as boss, but is tempted by Grimsby Town's offer of a two-year contract.[LNB] His deal with Darlington expires in June and the lack of contract talks at The Northern Echo Arena has forced the 42-year-old into considering his options.[LNB] Although Quakers turned down Grimsby's approach for Cooper and his assistant Richard Dryden, the pair are understood to have held talks with the Mariners.[LNB] Losing Cooper would be a blow to Quakers, who have suffered a series of managerial changes in recent years, not least because they are enjoying a good season - the team is ninth in the Blue Square Bet Premier and are into the semi-finals of the FA Trophy.[LNB] But although Cooper would prefer to stay in the North-East, it is understood that Darlington chairman Raj Singh has felt unable to offer a new deal while the club's future remains uncertain.[LNB] A question mark continues to hang over the ownership of the Arena and until that is resolved Quakers' hierarchy do not believe they can commit themselves to extending Cooper's stay.[LNB] The Mariners are keen to appoint Cooper before the weekend and had been expecting to reveal him in a press conference today.[LNB] But those plans changed when Grimsby's approach for Cooper and Dryden was turned down.[LNB] It is not the first time this season that Singh has turned down approaches for Cooper as both York City and Lincoln City hoped to hold talks last October.[LNB] Although both Cooper and Dryden have the option of resigning before joining the Blundell Park club, who are three places below Quakers in 12th, the Mariners would then have to pay compensation.[LNB] They are reluctant to become involved in that situation so that leaves Darlington's managerial duo in situ and they will oversee training today in preparation for Saturday's game at home to Cambridge United.[LNB] Speaking to The Northern Echo last night, Cooper said: "I want to stay but my contract is up in the summer and that's where we're at.[LNB] "I was flattered to have been linked with York and Lincoln, but I'm really enjoying it, we're having a good season and hopefully that is going to continue."[LNB] York and Lincoln were both willing to offer long-term contracts to Cooper who, The Northern Echo understands, has considered Grimsby's offer due not only due to his current deal expiring in June, but also due to own experiences 12 months ago.[LNB] He found himself out of work, after being sacked by Peterborough United in February, and initially struggled to attract a worthwhile job - now he has been offered a two-year contract.[LNB] In the meantime, he is expected to attend today's pre-match press conference.[LNB] Meanwhile, Quakers have announced reduced ticket prices for their Trophy semi-final at home to Gateshead a week on Saturday.[LNB] Tickets are £15 adults, £10 over-60s/concessions and £5 under-16s, and they go on sale today from the Arena reception weekdays and ticket offices on matchdays. Season tickets holders have until March 11 to claim their own seat.[LNB] The second leg at Gateshead, on March 19, sees tickets priced at £13 adults, £8 over-60s/concessions and £2 under-16s with a full-paying adult (U-16s unaccompanied priced £8), with admission on the day only (no advance ticket sales).[LNB]
