Forest Green Rovers boss Mark Cooper has expressed his disappointment that 'friend' and former Rovers manager Gary Owers had left Torquay United.

Owers stepped down from his role after seeing the side get relegated from the National league conference last season and continue to struggle this term.

The former Sunderland midfielder had two spells at Forest Green, one as a player and one as a manager but Cooper was said to another coach lose their job.

"I am always sad to see managers go," the former Swindon and Notts County manager said.

"I know Gary very well and he is a really nice guy and I think he is a little bit unfortunate with the way it worked out down there.

"Unfortunately if results are not good you don't get a lot of time in this job."

Owers has been replaced by former Cheltenham Town manager Gary Johnson, and Cooper admitted that he felt that the owners had made a good appointment.

"He has promotions hasn't he," the 49-year-old said.

"I am sure that he will do well, they have a really good squad and have been unlucky with injuries this season.

"That being said, I think he will go in and have a good couple of years and I wouldn't be surprised to see them back in the football league very soon."