Yeovil boss looking to fine tune tactics

The Glovers produced another decent showing in their latest friendly on Tuesday evening, defeating hosts Buckland Athletic 5-0 at Homers Heath.

Goals from Harvey Greenslade (2), Jordan Young, Michael Smith and Frank Nouble proved the difference on the night - and now Cooper is looking for things to crank up with the new league season looming large on the horizon.

“It was really, really hot, the pitch was nice with a bit of water on it and in brilliant surroundings ” said Cooper. “We managed to get the boys who were a little bit behind in terms of minutes topped up today. We were able to rest a couple who have played a lot - and we’ve come through unscathed and with a clean sheet.”

As is the case with any pre-season programme, managing minutes and ensuring players remain in fine fettle ahead of the big kick-off is key - and Cooper was quick to address the matter at the final whistle.

“We’ve got a good staff at the club and we’ve managed things meticulously to get through it well,” added Cooper. “We’ve just been chatting now as a staff group and we’ve said pre-season finishes now because the players will get a day off tomorrow and then we will really prepare tactically for the game on Saturday.

“After that, we’re back into a normal week ahead of match-day, so we’ve broken the back of that pre-season and now we’re looking forward to it.”

Following their title success last term and subsequent promotion into the Conference, Cooper says he’s been impressed with the attitude and commitment shown by his players, old and new during the past few weeks.

“The first three weeks were about us looking at stuff where we might have to change a few bits during the course of the season,” continued Cooper. “It was also about finding out which new players could play in which position and, ultimately, fitness.

“We didn’t get too het up about the Exeter or Bristol Rovers games, Farnborough was more of a realistic test. Saturday against Weston will be the same, so it will give us more of a guide going into that first game.

“Overall, though, I’ve been really impressed with all the players. They’ve come in with an open mind and when you bring players into our group and ask them to do some things they are not comfortable with in terms of the way we play, it takes them a while to settle.

“For us, it’s understanding what the players need, where they are and coming together at the right moment, which is next Saturday.”

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