Neil Cooper is back in football after more than two years and the former Dons youth coach is relishing the challenge of managing Inverurie Locos in the Highland League
Former Forfar Athletic manager Cooper was unveiled as the Inverurie directors’ choice to succeed Scott Buchan just before the kick-off in yesterday’s game against Wick Academy at Harlaw Park.
The 58-year-old former Aberdeen, Barnsley, Grimsby Town, St Mirren and Hibernian defender, who watched yesterday’s 3-1 defeat from the stand, is delighted to be back in the game for the first time since leaving the Dons coaching staff at the end of the 2013-14 season.
Cooper said: “I have been out of the game so I am delighted to get the opportunity and I really appreciate the Locos board giving me the chance.
“I have missed out on a few jobs locally so I am looking forward to getting started at this club.
“I have managed and coached at a higher level and I think that will be a plus for the players here.
“I know quite a lot of players in the Highland League already, it will all be part of the learning process for me but I am hoping my full-time training background will definitely help the team and the players.”
Cooper has no qualms about taking what many would perceive as a backward step to further his managerial career, and added: “I am a football man and I want to be involved with all the rest of the players and staff here at the club. Getting back into full-time football is something I have looked at, but I am coming here to try to do well for Inverurie Locos.
“Hopefully the other coaches and I can improve things for them on the pitch.
“The management team of Scott Buchan, who has only recently stepped down, and Kenny Coull before him, as well as coach Iain Alexander, all did well for this club. Steven Park and Darren Mackie, who were in charge for the Wick game, also have a lot of experience and knowledge of the club.
“They know all about this club and of course I know Darren really well from our days at Aberdeen, he will be invaluable to me as well.
“I’ll be doing my utmost to do my best for the club, we have a good set of players here, the club wanted Steven Park and Darren Mackie to stay on to assist me, and I’m quite happy with that as well, that’s not a problem.”
