TOWN boss Mark Cooper believes that Steve Cotterill is fully entitled to his opinions following the Bristol City manager’s outburst in the wake of Swindon’s 1-0 win on Saturday.

Cotterill attracted the ire of the Town faithful for his post-match rant where he said Cooper’s side did not deserve their win and the decision to send off Wade Elliot for an apparent headbutt was a disgrace. Bristol City have appealed Elliot’s sending off.

Cooper, who did not have a good view of the red card but obviously did not agree that his side were undeserving of their win, has remained admirably calm in the circumstances.

Having had a couple of days to digest the game and the fall-out, the Town boss chose to give Cotterill’s opinions a wide berth.

“(Steve Cotterill) is thoroughly entitled to his opinion and I make no judgement,” said Cooper.

“I had a drink with Steve after the game and got on completely fine as always, wished him luck and I’m sure they’ll go on another good run. “ Asked if Cotterill had calmed down by the time they sat down for a drink Cooper replied: “He hadn’t mellowed no, it’s raw isn’t it? It was the same for me at Cheltenham you still have to go and speak to the other manager and say well done.

“He had his views on the game, he’s entitled to his views on our players, our club and his club and I fully respect those views.”

City striker Aaron Wilbraham was also fairly forthright with his opinions about the conduct of the Swindon players post-game. Cooper attempted to pour water on that situation, stating that immediately after the game is not the best time to offer measured reflection because tensions are still running high.

“I listened to the comments. I don’t think it’s the best time for players and managers to be interviewed. After being in such an environment and atmosphere like that they are going to come out and say things like that,” he added.

“There was a game at Ashton Gate a few months ago where we went to 10 men - we just got on with it.

“They’re entitled to their opinion and I fully respect all the players and staff at Bristol City. It’s gone now and they move on to Preston and we’ll move on Peterborough.”