Cooper sets out blueprint for success

Last updated : 16 June 2005 By Simon Head

Cooper: Placing the emphasis on physical fitness and good footbaIl

The new gaffer has spoken to the press today - and believes that his side will show the characteristics required to be successful at this level of footbalI.

He highlighted physical fitness, strength and camaraderie as key elements he'll be looking to instil in his charges for the coming season.

"If you look at the sides that have done well in that division recently, such as Luton and Sheffield Wednesday, they were sides with great presence," said the former Hartlepool boss.

"I'll be looking for that from my team as players in League One have got to be physically strong and fit.

"You need to press teams in this division and you also need a good sized squad and a good sense of camaraderie. From what I've heard about the squad at Gillingham, they've got all that."

Cooper also stated that he'll be looking for the Gills to back up their work ethic by playing some quality footbaIl too.

"I will also look for my side to play good footbalI but what is really important is that we establish a good level of fitness and the first week of pre-season will just be physical work.

"League One is a hard league and there's a lot of good teams, we won't be underestimating them."

So, in review, the new gaffer is looking to put together a hard-working, fit side who will pressure opposition players when they don't have the ball and play decent footbalI when they do have the ball.

That already sounds like a huge improvement on the last few seasons!