Leeds United promotion hero pens new deal at start of 'really exciting' new era in EFL
A Leeds United promotion hero has signed a one-year contract with an EFL club at the start of a 'really exciting' new era.
Liam Cooper skippered the Whites - the team he supports - to a Championship title under Marcelo Bielsa's management and left the club having made 284 appearances, 64 of which came in the Premier League. The former Scotland international joined Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia and then penned a short-term deal with Sheffield Wednesday in November of last year, playing 14 times in the Championship as ownership and financial issues led to administration and relegation to League One.
The Owls have since been bought by a US consortium and Cooper has re-joined the Hillsborough outfit for another season. "It's a new era for Sheffield Wednesday and one I'm absolutely delighted to be part of," he said. "I can't tell you how delighted I am to be here – we can look forward now with the right people in the right roles – it’s really exciting. The new ownership has come in with unbelievable ideas and the know-how to run a business. It's all the fans, the players, the staff have ever wanted and we're going to get that now. Selling over 23,000 season tickets is unbelievable and I can't wait to get out there. That first home game of the season is going to be some spectacle.”
Owls sporting director said it became clear from the outset of the new era at Wednesday that Cooper had a big part to play due to his presence in the dressing room.
“From my earliest conversations with players and staff, it was clear that Liam made a big impact in the dressing room last season," he said.
"He was a leader in difficult circumstances, providing guidance and mentorship to a young group, and he is the type of player who represents the culture we want to create. Importantly, he is a winner and we believe he can play an important role for us this season on and off the field. We are delighted to welcome him back to the club.”