Cooper pleased with pre-season progress

Last updated : 31 July 2005 By Simon Head

Cooper: Making progress with the squad

Talking to the official website, Cooper said, "I wasn't concerned about the result prior to the match, just how we went about our job. We worked extremely hard today, just as we did against Millwall earlier in the week. Last Saturday, I wasn't too happy, and on Tuesday, and today, I have got a great reaction from the players. It was nice. It was a good turnout from the fans and they gave me a great welcome, and it is much appreciated."

Hat-trick hero Darren Byfield was the Gills' outstanding player on the day, and the striker's overall form in pre-season has seen him hit six goals in five games. His form, and his attitude, has left the new gaffer very impressed.

"Byfield is a great lad to work with. He works extremely hard in training. It's not only his goal ratio in the games he has played so far this pre-season, the more pleasing thing has been his overall work rate, which has been different class every game since I have arrived.

"Today it was nice that he scored three. He deserved it for the work that he put in. I am delighted for the fans, as he gave them a nice reception today. A penalty is a hard thing to take, even in pre-season friendlies as it's all about confidence. His first goal was superb, and his third was excellent, a fantastic finish.

"A lot of the boys played well. Andy Crofts had a good game, as did Ian Cox. Him and Hope looked strong. Cox seems to get there all the time."

It's been an eventful pre-season at Priestfield, with a number of experienced pros from our relegation season leaving the club for pastures new, but the new gaffer has worked hard to rebuild the side for the coming campaign, as well as trying to bring about a change in the style of play.

"We're all working hard," said Cooper. "We've had a lot of quality players leave the club. We've brought in two or three, and unfortunately, we've had a lot of injuries, and it's been an opportunity for one or two of the younger boys to get in the team. We have fun working, and fun training, but it is extremely hard work. I have seen a big difference in a few weeks in the all round footballing ability from the players."

But where does the gaffer think his Gills side will finish in League One this season?

"I will work my hardest to try to get the team up there at the end of the season. I never set myself a target. It will be a long and hard season. I will try to stay there, or thereabouts in the league. We will do our best and wherever that takes us, hopefully, it will be up there."