Nigel Clough's crucial influence explained as Mansfield boss delivers verdict on Sunderland win

Caretaker boss Cooper was unbeaten in his three games in charge, but the 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light was the Stags' first competitive win of the campaign in any competition.

Clough was appointed as the club's new manager on Friday, but watched the win from the stands.

Clough had said pre-match that he would tell his new players 'to have a go' and not sit back, and Cooper said his influence was key.

“The gaffer [Nigel Clough] has been great,” he added. “He popped in on Friday and gave some messages and encouragement before the game.

“He came in at half-time and I think I could hear him a few times during the game as well!

“It was nice to finally hand over the team to him.

“Having the gaffer in and around it meant a lot and it was a great feeling."

Cooper praised his team's commitment in seeing out the win, but also said his side had played 'some good stuff' in victory.

Jordan Bowery drew special praise, having been an influential figure at both ends of the pitch throughout the contest.

“We’re delighted,” Cooper said. said. “I’m pleased as anything for those players in that dressing room after what they’ve given over the last ten days, they’re an absolute credit.

“To come to a stadium like this and actually get that victory means a lot. We showed togetherness, commitment – it [performance] had everything.

“We thought we played some good stuff and it was a great header [from George Lapslie]. As soon as it left Kellan’s [Gordon] foot, you saw Laps in the box and it’s hit the back of the net. It was a great feeling.

"He [Bowery] is a man possessed for me. I thought his performance was as a real leader and a character in both boxes.

“He was really unselfish and the running he gets through, he’s always for the team and not himself.

“It was another brilliant performance from him.”

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