Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division side Windsor have appointed a new manager.
Luke Brooks-Smith had been in caretaker charge of the side after long serving boss Mick Woodham’s decision to step down before the start of the season.
Brooks-Smith led the side as player/caretaker manager in six Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division fixtures with one win, two draws and three defeats as well as a Challenge Cup penalty shootout win at Woodley United.
Now the club have confirmed who will takeover.
A statement sent to Football in Berkshire by the club said: Windsor FC are pleased to announce the appointment of former club captain Mark Cooper as manager.
Mark had a distinguished playing career in non-league football with Harrow Borough, Hendon FC and AFC Wimbledon, culminating in a spell at what was then Windsor and Eton FC between 2006 and 2009.
Since retiring from playing 10 years ago Mark has built a successful chain of estate agents whilst keeping his footballing hand in by coaching with AFC Henley youth.
Chairman James Anderson said: “We’re really looking forward to having Mark at the club. We believe that our football club provides the best platform for young players who are looking to progress to a higher level. Mark’s leadership and man management abilities really stood out to us and will be hugely valuable in working with our young squad.
“His understanding of non-league football will also be a huge asset in balancing the youth and experience needed to succeed at this level.
“The club would also like to take this opportunity to place on record it’s thanks to Luke Brook-Smith for ably taking on the role of Caretaker Manager over the past month. Luke took on this added responsibility with absolute grace and class, which allowed us the time to conduct a thorough and in depth search for the right person to manage the club.”
Cooper’s first game will be against Eastington Sports on Saturday. [This article previously said ‘now has eight days to prepare for the Royalists next fixture, a Floodlit Cup tie at home to Thame Rangers’]. Windsor’s last game under Brooks-Smith was a 3-3 draw at Tuffley Rovers.
Read next: Interview with new Windsor chairman James Anderson