Leeds United skipper Liam Cooper was given a Special Achievement Award by the club on Thursday evening alongside Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling, due to his commitment to the Whites on and off the pitch.
So much has changed at the club since this time last year, with two managers being appointed, a takeover completed, and a mass overhaul of the squad.
Staying put in the midst of it all and getting Daniel Farke’s era at the club up and running was Liam Cooper, rejecting offers to stay put.
Liam Cooper given special Leeds United award this week
Cooper has taken something of a backseat this season with Farke transitioning the side away from the players that were previously heavily relied on.
He’s still been a vital cog in the side off the field with his leadership something Farke has underlined multiple times this season.
The in-house awards ceremony took place last night at the Centenary Pavilion, in which Cooper was joined on stage by Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling to receive a Special Achievement Award:
Cooper suggests he wants a new Leeds deal
Like his close friends that he shared the stage with, Cooper’s contract is also up at the end of this season, with both Dallas and Ayling already confirming they won’t be at Elland Road in a playing capacity after this campaign is over.
As for Cooper, he has kept the door open, indicating that he would appreciate a new contract from the 49ers, as he said this via Phil Hay:
“I’ve tried every day to lead by example, be a good example around the place and give everything I have to possibly make this club better. It’s one I’ve done with great honour, I’ve enjoyed every second and hopefully that can continue for a few more years but we’ll see.”
Hard to see Cooper getting a new deal
A lot of our transfer policy and player retention hinges on what happens in the next three games of our season, but I just don’t see Cooper staying on.
10 years is a phenomenal stint and Cooper deserves so much recognition for his time here, leading the side back into the Premier League under Bielsa.
However, there has to come a time where parting ways makes the best sense, as we’ll be looking to improve at the back and that will mean Cooper won’t play, as this season has proven with Joe Rodon joining.
We shouldn’t be denying Cooper the chance to still play in the Championship every week, something he’s more than good enough to do, as Ayling is showing at Middlesbrough.
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