Cooper Pens New Deal

Michael Cooper has signed a new contract, which is set to expire in the summer of 2025.  

Cooper, Argyle’s Player of the Year for 2021/22 and joint Golden Glove winner, has played 142 times for Argyle, and previously had just over a year left on his contract. Argyle have moved to further shore up the future of one of the most highly rated talents in the whole of the EFL. 

“I’m very happy,” Mike told Argyle TV. “Putting another year on to my current contract after the past few weeks means a lot to me. I’m just really happy to get it done so quickly after the actual offer.

“It gives me a lot more security and the ability to focus on my rehab for the next few months without having to worry about contracts or anything like that. I was more than happy to get it done.

“It means a lot. I joined in 2009, it’s 2023 now - that length of time speaks volumes. You know the love I’ve got for the place, the fans, the staff. There are so many people that have been there for me throughout the years, all the way from under-9s until now. It’s been a mad journey so far and to extend my contract is a really nice feeling.”

Argyle manager Steven Schumacher said: “It’s a no brainer for us. He’s come through our Academy, the Academy has played a huge part in his development, and he has become one of our best players.

“Michael getting his injury when he did, he only had 18 months left on his contract. I felt it was good business for the club to secure that asset, and for Michael to be recognised. We wanted to look after him and help him in his recovery process.

“We know that when he is back, and he will be back soon, he’s the best young goalkeeper in the country.”

Neil Dewsnip, Argyle’s Director of Football, said: “We are very pleased to have agreed an extension with Michael – who is as good a shot stopper as I have seen at his age. More than that, though, he is a role model for our Academy players.

“It is the right thing for the club, and for Michael, to agree this extension. It makes sense for both parties and it speaks to the relationship between us that a deal could be reached so quickly.

“We will continue to provide the best possible support for Michael during his rehabilitation – which is going very well so far – and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

Mike, now 23, has been a Pilgrim since the age of nine. He came through the Argyle Centre of Excellence, then Academy system and was long considered to be a huge prospect.

Cooper’s debut came in extraordinary circumstances. Just two weeks after he turned 18, Cooper was the substitute goalkeeper for Argyle, away at Blackburn Rovers, and came on as a substitute for the injured Kyle Letheren. In the second half, under severe pressure, he kept a personal clean sheet, carrying Argyle to a 1-1 draw. A few months later, five years ago to the day of this latest contract extension, Mike put pen to paper on his first professional contract.

His second league appearance came in equally dramatic circumstances. Cooper replaced Matt Macey in the 63rd minute of the final game of the 2018/19 season, against Scunthorpe United. Once again, Cooper kept the opposition out, and this time Argyle won the game, but it was not enough to avoid relegation that season. 

After adding a handful of cup appearances to his tally in 2019/20, Cooper was named as Argyle’s first-choice goalkeeper at the start of the 2020/21 Sky Bet League One season and went on to make 121 consecutive league starts before a knee injury at Sheffield Wednesday ended his run, and his 22/23 campaign in the process.

“Now it’s three weeks since the operation, and I’m doing really well. I’m surprised at how much I’ve been able to do. It’s nice to get the lungs going and do some upper body as well.

“Not long until I can really start progressing with getting some strength back in my leg. I’m starting to see the swelling go down in my knee, which is nice.

“I’ve just got to take it week by week. I keep looking back every Monday to where I was, and the slight improvements I keep making is really nice mentally. I’m not pushing it, but making sure I’m progressing.

“I’m just grateful to be in the position I’m in now, despite the adversity, and I’m looking forward to taking everything step by step.”