Craig Westcarr: 'Notts County job one of Mark Cooper's biggest challenges'

Former Notts County striker Craig Westcarr has described Mark Cooper’s new role at Meadow Lane as one of the most daunting challenges of his managerial career.

The 31-year-old, now plying his trade at Mansfield Town, was part of Cooper’s Kettering side which won the Conference North title in 2008 before they embarked on a memorable FA Cup run to the fourth round.

Cooper’s first game in charge of the Magpies is on Good Friday against Portsmouth at Fratton Park, a game Westcarr says is a "free shot" given Notts' current form.

Westcarr said: "It's a tough challenge for him without a doubt, given the results of the team have not been great in the last few weeks.

"But he'll have a right go at it and knowing him as I do, I'm sure it's a task he will be determined to beat.

"He's a good man manager, he's laid back and not as intense as some other managers out there.

"I really enjoyed playing under him and I am sure the players at Notts will do too.

"He has a way of playing that really caught the eye at Swindon, but the problem is he's going to have to hit the ground running.

"He's going to have to figure out his best team very quickly and it might not be until the fourth or fifth game when he does.

"The fact he only has 10 games of the season left makes it even tougher, but he has proven he's a good manager and I'm hoping he does well because the one thing Notts need is stability."

Cooper’s contract initially runs until the end of the season, but an extension will be triggered if he meets a pre-determined points target.

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