Mark Cooper feeling relaxed ahead of Forest Green’s Wembley appearance
The Green were beaten by Grimsby in last season’s play-off final at Wembley.
Forest Green boss Mark Cooper says he is feeling calm ahead of the Vanarama National League play-off final against Tranmere on Sunday.
The Green are looking to avenge last season’s Wembley heartbreak – when they lost 3-1 to Grimsby – which denied them a first taste of the English Football League.
Former Swindon manager Cooper took an advisory role that day as he had just taken charge of the club but this time he is relishing the task.
“I’m feeling calm,” he said. “We’ve got another game and we’ve got a shot at getting into the Football League.”
Cooper has a fully fit squad and could keep faith with the side which beat Dagenham 2-0 in the semi-final second leg last Sunday.
Cooper told the Stroud News and Journal: “We’ve got some young lads in there and they were really good for their age. Hopefully we can replicate the same performance at Wembley on Sunday.”
Tranmere boss Micky Mellon is also expected to name an unchanged side from the one which played both legs of their semi-final against Aldershot.
Mellon has reported no injury concerns aside from long-term absentees like Jay Harris and Lee Vaughan.
The Prenton Park outfit will be looking to end their two-year exile from the Football League and Mellon has told his players to enjoy the day.
The Scot told the club’s official website: “My message to the players on Sunday will be simple, do your jobs and do them to the best of your ability. Don’t let it pass you by.”
