Clachnacuddin manager Conor Gethins delighted with how Merkinch native Troy Cooper has kicked on for Lilywhites in the Highland League this season
Clachnacuddin manager Conor Gethins says Troy Cooper has risen to the challenge set for him this season.
The Merkinch native has made a big impact for the Lilywhites this season, scoring 16 times – including yet another wondergoal against Forres last weekend – and claiming 12 assists.
Gethins has been impressed with how the 24-year-old has stepped up, especially since the departure of Connor Bunce to title-chasing Brora Rangers.
Clach’s manager believes that the homegrown element is an important part of the make up of the club, and he revealed Cooper has exceeded the expectations put on him last summer.
“Troy has scored some excellent goals this year – probably a few that could be contenders for goal of the season,” Gethins explained.
“He’s one that has really kicked on this season from last year.
“He’s a Merkinch boy, and he loves the club. I think it’s important that you’ve got people who want to go and work really hard for the club.
“I challenged him to go away last summer and get more physically fit and stronger, and he did exactly what we asked.
“The proof is in the pudding. He has 16 goals and 12 assists this season, and he didn’t play much when Connor Bunce was here, so he should be proud of what he’s done in a short space of time.”
Cooper’s form is evidence of the successful structure now in place at Grant Street Park.
It has been a phenomenal campaign by the club’s standards in recent years, sitting fifth ahead of their final match of the campaign, with a bug turnover on and off the pitch leading to greater success.
For Gethins’ part, he has tried to ensure that even with higher demands being put on the squad, they are still able to enjoy themselves, and he believes that has contributed to Clach’s good form in a big way.
“We’ve created an environment here where it’s fun,” he added.
“We have to work hard, and we have to have an intensity, but we’ll always have fun regardless. It’s important that we turn up for training and it’s different, and the boys can relax and enjoy themselves away from work.
“They work hard all week, and the last thing they need is to turn up to training and have me acting like a drill sergeant.
“That’s not in me anyway, I love a bit of craic as well, and I think that has rubbed off on the boys this year. They have never moaned once this year, which is very unusual.
“I believe Clach hadn’t won at Forres since 2013 before last weekend, so it was nice to get that monkey off our back as well. We’re going in a good direction, so it has been enjoyable.”
