LISKEARD Athletic's new managerial team of Leigh Cooper and Tony Richardson are confident they will succeed in rebuilding the Lux Park club after a disastrous first season in the CSWPL Premier Division. The Blues had a campaign to forget last year, with John Clarkson, Robbie Herrera, Paul Goodwin and Lee Harvey all taking charge at one time during the season. The loss of several of the previous season's successful squad was just one of many reasons for the demise, and it was hoped many would return for the coming campaign – but that was not to be. The appointment of former Blues' boss Dave Leonard at Plymouth Parkway has seen several of last season's Lux Park squad, plus the majority of those who moved to pastures green prior to the first Peninsula campaign, join him and Harvey at Bolitho Park. This left Cooper and Richardson with almost a blank sheet and they have had to work hard to form a squad, which is rapidly taking shape, to stabilise the club. Blues' supporters will have to be patient as the highly-regarded Cooper works the oracle at Lux Park, but they can be sure it will be done in the most honest of manners, with a fair measure of hard work thrown in. Plymouth-based Cooper was fully aware of the size of the task after his initial players' meeting, which was to prove that only a few players were remaining at the club. 'The emphasis this year, having had the heart ripped out of the side last season, is to assemble a squad that want to work hard for the club and try and improve their game,' said Cooper. The former Argyle skipper, who has won every local honour going as a manager, admitted he and Richardson did not have to think long and hard about moving to Lux Park, when he simply said: 'The desicion was a no brainer for me as this is a club full of potential.' He did admit that the committee at Lux Park were expecting to see old faces back this coming season. 'The club were hopeful that a lot of the players would come back to the club, but it very quickly became obvious that they were going elsewhere,' said Cooper. 'Tony and I were left with an almost total rebuild job, but we are certain that the players we have brought to Lux Park want to be here and want to improve their game.' Cooper was delighted that Ben Wood and Mike Burke had decided to remain at the club, explaining: 'Ben has pace, which is always an asset, and Mike is a natural 'leftie' and that is always hard to find.' Cooper has also persuaded former Exeter City youngster Danny Brooks and his team-mate, Joe Eke, to sign from Parkway. 'Brooksie, from a talent point of view, is as good as anything in the league, and by his own admission he went off the boil last season and decided a change of club was needed. Joe is another player of good potential and his pace down the right flank will certainly be an asset.' The defection of Simon Zinn to Parkway left Cooper searching for a goalkeeper, and he was delighted when Simon May agreed to sign from Elburton Villa. 'He (May) is a very important capture for us as he has bags of potential, and working with Tony will only improve his game.' Cooper has also returned to his former club, Vospers Oak Villa, to recruit four players in striker Gareth Jones, central defender Chris Sully, midfielder Bradley Richardson and right-back Jason King. King was Vospers' Players' Player and Manager's Player of the Year last season, and will certainly not be out of place in the Premier Division. Former Saltash United and Millbrook attacking midfielder Dennis Mason is another hoping to break into the first team at Lux Park, with Cooper explaining: 'He has bags of ability and has agreed to join us pre-season.' Cooper is aware that it will not come together from the start, as he warned Blues' supporters: 'It might take a little while to get going, but it will not be for the want of trying. 'We have been asked to improve the spirit and atmosphere in the club and we are convinced that will happen with this squad of players.' Cooper is still searching for further signings and, if his past record at Truro and Holsworthy is anything to go by, then he and Richardson will get it right at Lux Park – if given the time and understanding of all concerned with the club.