Forest Green Rovers fans have reacted to the news that head coach Mark Cooper is moving on.

Mr Cooper led Forest Green into League Two and they are currently sixth in the table, but of their last six games, the team lost five and drawn one.

The club has received more than 70 applications for his position since announcing Mr Cooper’s departure on Sunday, with six more games to play this season.

On hearing the decision, one season ticket holder posted on Facebook: “I’m glad that he [club chairman Dale Vince] made the decision now rather than dragging it out. It's not the be all and end all, but Cooper has never connected with the fans and has not dealt well with the criticism.”

“We have nothing to lose now. If we can drag ourselves into the play offs all well and good, and if not so be it, but it's the feeling of being set free from what feels like a déja vu cycle of stagnation that is such a welcome release at last.

Another supporter agreed: “Wish Mark Cooper all the best for the future. Time for a change for him and FGR. It’s a small club with big ambitions and it’s really important to ensure it connects with fans well to grow support. Interesting times ahead I’m sure.”

Some fans did not think it was right decision to sack Mark Cooper, who has been with the club for five years.

One supporter wrote: "Harsh! Do you think you can go up a division every season. Put them back where the manager started and see who else can do better."

Another fan said: “Mark's achieved and taken the club places over recent years so for that we should show our appreciation.

“It seems unlikely and perhaps a little unfair to expect an U18 manager to be able to turn things around inside the last few games.”

But one Forest Green fan posted: “Surprised it happened now, but would have likely dropped out of the play off places had he stayed. Something different for the final few games gives us a chance.”