The 46-year-old was officially confirmed as the successor to John Hughes yesterday afternoon.
The former Middlesbrough, Millwall, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland defender has already touched base with several contacts, especially those in the North-East.
Colin Cooper: “Between myself and Craig Hignett we have covered three-quarters of the Football League and Premier League.
“People are already phoning us asking what can they do to help - those connections will be vital.
“Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland will be doing all they can to help us.
“Those conversations have already been had.
“We are going to need that help from the North-East’s big clubs.”