Chelmsford City turn to ‘proven winner’ Mark Cooper and John Still

Chelmsford City have appointed Mark Cooper as their new manager whilst also bringing in John Still to oversee football operations following Angelo Harrop’s exit earlier this month.

The Clarets have moved quickly to reshape their football structure after parting company with Harrop at the start of April, just before their hunt for a National League South play-off place ended.

Cooper, who will officially begin his role on May 11, arrives with a wealth of experience across the Football League and Non-League, having managed close to 1,000 games and achieved promotion on multiple occasions.

The 57-year-old notably guided Forest Green Rovers into the Football League for the first time in their history via the 2017 National League play-offs and secured the National League South title with Yeovil Town at the first attempt in 2024.

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Experience

He also led Kettering Town to the then Conference North title in 2008 and lifted the FA Trophy with Darlington in 2011.

Cooper left the Glovers in August after three years in charge, following a poor start to this season despite guiding the club to safety in the previous campaign.

Chairman and owner Spencer Gore described the appointment as a key moment in the club’s long-term plans, highlighting Cooper’s track record of building competitive, promotion-chasing sides.

He said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Cooper as men’s first team manager of Chelmsford City Football Club.

“Mark is a proven winner, with a wealth of experience across the Football League and National League, and a track record of building competitive, promotion-chasing sides.

“His teams are known for their identity, organisation, and ability to deliver results — qualities that are fully aligned with our ambitions as a football club.

“This is a hugely important appointment for us.

“As we continue on our journey to build a club that is ready to compete at the next level, securing the right leader for our first team was critical.

“We have taken our time, spoken to a number of strong candidates, and I firmly believe Mark is the standout choice to take us forward.

“He brings not only experience, but clarity, standards, and a winning mentality.”

Positive conversations

Upon confirmation about his appointment as manager, Cooper said: “I have had a few promotions in my career, so that’s what I want to do, get another promotion and I couldn’t think of a better place to do it.

“Speaking to Spencer, we’ve had some really positive conversations and I’m delighted to be working for someone like him because I made a pledge to myself that, when I did get back into work, I wanted to work for really good people.

“I’m really excited to getting to work straight away, I officially start in a few weeks, but now I’ll be sitting down with John, Ricky & Spencer and working out how we can have the best possible team at the club and try and take this club to the National League.”

The arrival of Cooper follows the recent appointment of veteran boss Still as head of football, after he left National League side Southend United in a similar role, with the experienced figure set to play a leading role in recruitment and long-term squad planning.

Exciting project

“I have had some really good conversations with Spencer recently. It’s a really exciting project to be part of.

“I feel I have a good bit of knowledge that I can bring to the club so we can start working towards what we want to achieve and help out in every way I can.

“I am looking forward to getting to work as soon as possible, working alongside Spencer and a new manager to take this club where we want to be.”

On the appointment, Gore said: “John is a name that commands enormous respect across the game.

“With decades of experience, multiple promotions, and a proven track record of building successful teams, his appointment represents a major step forward for this football club.

“This is not just a hire – it is a statement of intent.”

The club added that further updates on Cooper’s backroom staff will follow, as he prepares for the final game of the season against Eastbourne Borough at the Melbourne Stadium this Saturday.

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