AFC Telford boss quits for Swindon No 2 job

After only five games in charge of the ailing Bucks, Cooper was today confirmed as assistant manager to Kevin MacDonald at League One side Swindon.

Cooper's former assistant Graham Hyde and first-team coach John Psaras have been put in temporary charge at the New Bucks Head until the end of the season. They have been told to rally a disharmonious dressing room.

That was highlighted by former boss Andy Sinton before his January departure, as Telford plunged into a relegation battle in their second campaign in the Blue Square Premier.

The Bucks now prop up the table and, without a win in 21 league games, their hopes of staying up are fast fading, particularly as all their rivals can boast games in hand.

Chairman Carter declared: "It's only the players who can get us out of this situation. But there are one or two them, and others whom have left, who have effectively pick-pocketed a living out of this club.

"There have also been individuals around the club who think the way to get out of this position is to point fingers, apportion blame and generally shout nonsensical abuse at people who are trying their best in the most difficult of circumstances.

"When we appointed Mark, certain individuals said it was the wrong decision. But we have got put all that to one side now and look at the league table and try and focus on surviving in this league."

Cooper, 44, took charge of four defeats and a 3-3 draw against his former club Tamworth after being appointed on January 31 as Sinton's replacement.

He was handed an interim role and Carter confirmed the former Peteborough and Darlington boss was working on an expenses-only basis.

Hyde, who arrived under Sinton's stewardship, and Psaras are being retained on a different arrangement.

But Carter admits the club can not afford to be saddled again by the costs of long-term contracts for their managerial staff.

He and the club's directors will thrash out new guidelines for recruitment when they come to make a permanent appointment in the summer.

He said: "We will set down some parameters and the days of fixed-term contracts are gone at this football club.

"Whoever takes the job on in the long term needs to understand they need to fit in with us rather than us fitting in around them.

"In the meantime. Graham and John have been loyal to us, so it doesn't make sense to appoint someone permanently at this stage.

"It could take two or three weeks by to get someone new in the job and the time isn't there for us. Although I'm confident Graham can motivate the players, a lot of it will be down to them."

Meanwhile, Carter has praised Cooper for his work ethic during his short stay.

The Bucks chairman said: "We wish Mark all the best as he was great to work with. But you can't expect anyone to turn down an opportunity to manage in League One.

"He'd been out of work for 12 months before he came and wanted to get back in the shop window, so we are very pleased for him."