Newport County boss Michael Flynn has heaped praise on axed former Forest Green boss Mark Cooper.
Chairman Dale Vince parted company with the long-serving Cooper after a winless run threatened to derail his side’s promotion hopes after a poor run of six matches without a win and four consecutive defeats left them sixth in the table.
Cooper had led the club to promotion to the English Football League at the end of his first season with the club, but Vince said the decision was based on giving Rovers the best chance of promotion.
Interim head coach Jimmy Ball has now delivered the play-offs for Rovers, but Flynn, who will go toe-to-toe with Ball, told The Football League Paper: “Mark Cooper did a very, very good job there. He’s built a very good squad and I know he’s gone now, but I’ve got a lot of time for him.”
Flynn is relishing the test Rovers will bring, he added: “We’re looking forward to playing Forest Green. I can’t wait to get them to Rodney Parade, but it’s a tough challenge, but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”