Swansea City appoint former WPL defender Cooper

Swansea City have appointed former Welsh Premier League defender Steve Cooper as their new first team manager.

The Pontypridd-born coach has taken his first senior role in management after leaving his role as England Under-17s manager. 

He has been handed a three-year contract with the club after succeeding Graham Potter, who left for Brighton & Hove Albion.

Cooper featured for Bangor City, Porthmadog, Rhyl and The New Saints over the space of four years has earned a good reputation since moving into coaching in 2005.

He featured for the Citizens in the UEFA Cup against Sartid Smederevo. 

“This opportunity is something I’ve been working towards my whole life, certainly since I started coaching 22 years ago, said Cooper who was speaking to swanseacity.com. 

“I’m really excited about the challenge ahead.

“I have already done a huge amount of homework on the playing style, the squad and plans for pre- season. Now I just can’t wait to get started.’’

‘I’m extremely grateful to Swansea for giving me this chance.”

Cooper is one of the youngest coaches to earn a UEFA Pro Licence, earning the qualification at just the age of 26. 

With 88 international games under his belt, Cooper has helped develop the careers of young Three Lions stars like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Phil Folden and Rhian Brewster. 

During his time at Liverpool, he also worked with two-time Premier League winner Raheem Sterling and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who won a Champions League trophy at the age of just 20. Wales International Ben Woodburn was also developed by the former Head of youth at Liverpool.

(Featured Image: Christopher Elkins)