Liam Cooper speaks in his first interview on the decision to sign for Sheffield Wednesday on a contract until the end of the 2025/26 season.
The experienced 34 year old Scottish centre-back spoke of his delight at finally completing the move, undeterred by the club’s recent off-field turmoil, and touched on the much happier atmosphere now, praising the fans’ protests that helped force change.
The former Leeds captain says he is looking to bring leadership to a young squad, maintain high standards, and help the team push up the Championship table.
Cooper feels physically strong after training alone, is eager to integrate quickly, and would love to be involved in Sunday’s Steel City derby against Sheffield United.
He described joining Wednesday as a “transition he wanted to be part of” and repeatedly said he “can’t wait to get going and have a right good go” at Hillsborough.
📝 We’re delighted to welcome Liam Cooper to the Owls!
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) November 17, 2025
💬 “Let’s have a right good go..!” pic.twitter.com/cwhZXrbNs8
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) November 17, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
The Owls have signed experienced defender Liam Cooper on a contract until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.
The centre back moves to S6 with over 400 career appearances under his belt, including international experience with Scotland.
Cooper began his career with hometown club Hull and spent time on loan with Carlisle, Huddersfield and Chesterfield as a young player.
He later made the permanent switch to the Spireites, where he helped the club win the League Two title, earning promotion to League One in 2013/14.
A big move to Leeds followed in the summer, and Cooper would spend a productive decade at Elland Road.
The 34-year-old was made captain of the club and went on to lift the Championship trophy as the Whites earned a place in the Premier League in 2019/20.
The defender spent three years in the top flight and was part of Scotland’s 2020 and 2024 European Championship squads.
In 2024, Cooper moved across the continent to Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia.
After a short time as a free agent, he now signs a deal with the Owls until the summer of 2026.
Cooper will wear squad number 16 at Hillsborough.
Welcome to Wednesday, Liam!
Liam: “I’m delighted. I think a few have just spoke there. It’s been the world’s worst kept secret, but no, delighted to be here and just ready to get going.
“I’ve managed to meet a few of the lads this morning, done the medicals, so just excited to get going and get up to speed and get playing.
“I actually met, came to the training ground a couple of months ago now and met Henrik. Obviously at that moment there was a lot of restrictions in place on the previous owner and that couldn’t be done, but we stayed in contact.
“Henrik and myself sort of relayed to each other how much we wanted to work together and nothing’s come along in the meantime and I’m quite glad for that.
“We’re here today and it’s been sorted and just delighted and looking forward to getting going.”
Interviewer: “It’s fair to say you’ll have been aware of the kind of situation off the field with the club. At no point did that deter you from wanting to be here?”
Liam: “No, not at all. I know it’s going to be a big transition, but a transition that I wanted to be part of.
“Just getting a vibe from the different staff and different players. They’re in a great situation.
“The club seems a much happier place than when I was here two months ago, so that was refreshing to see and I know I keep saying it, but just delighted to be here and get going.
“I need to get up to speed quickly. I believe I can do that. I’ve been ticking over on my own and away from here and hopefully I can hit the ground running.”
Interviewer: “You mentioned that you spoke to Henrik when you first came here. What’s he said to you and how much of a part did he play in you coming here?”
Liam: “Obviously, I can say it now, but we had a conversation a couple of years ago when Leeds was playing at Hillsborough. It sort of stems from there. He seemed a really nice guy then.
“After speaking with Baz and Palms and different people who have been around the club, they’ve said what such a good guy he is and that’s important to me.
“A manager who sees it from both sides and who is approachable and someone who can really get the best out of the team. I think Henrik’s done that.
“I think the team’s been very on it from the start of the season and we’ve just got to keep going.
“I’m sure the club’s under no illusions how difficult it’s going to be, but anything is possible and now is a big transition.
“It’s great to see the fans back in, special mention to the fans because to come together and do what’s right for your club in such a way, in doing what you did with the protests and things like that, that shows the true power of a club.
“Coming together like that was amazing and great to see and we’re going to need them right up to the end of the season.
“I know they’ll be with us and hopefully we can get a few more points on the board and make a very good go of it.”
Interviewer: “You’re a very experienced player and a leader, fair to say, from what you’ve been like in your career. How important is that for you coming into this dressing room? It is quite a young dressing room and you’re going to bring that leadership, it’s fair to say.”
Liam: “Yes, I hope so. I hope I can do that. I’ve done that at clubs before. It’s something I take very proudly.
“For the young boys, I’d like to think I’ve seen a lot in the game over the years and just be a shoulder, try and set good examples and keep the standards high.
“If you can’t maintain standards, you’ve got no chance. It’s about maintaining those standards and having fun while we’re doing it as well.
“We’re in such a fortunate position where we’re playing in the best sport in the world and I think at times you forget to enjoy it and that’s one of the biggest parts of the game also.”
Interviewer: “We know the challenges that are ahead of us this season and you’re here until the end of the season. What have you made of the games that we’ve played so far and what do you think is achievable with this squad this season?”
Liam: “Anything’s achievable, don’t get me wrong. It’s a hard battle but I think bad things have got to happen before you can change that.
“As we know, we’re in a big transition. A special mention to the lads as well, to the players. They could have downed tools at any given moment and they’ve not done that and they’ve stood by the team, stood by the supporters and I think you see that when the fans come back, how much they get behind the team for the way they’ve carried themselves.
“It just goes hand-in-hand and we’re going to need plenty more of that over the coming months and I just cannot wait to get going. I’m excited.”
Interviewer: “First training session today so I’ll get through that and let’s have a right good go. You mentioned the lads, anybody you know from times gone by?”
Liam: “Obviously Baz and Palms are the main ones from the times away with the national team. Again, great lads. I think the club’s lucky to have them both.
“They’ve been here such a long time and they represent everything that’s good about Sheffield Wednesday so I’ll be dipping into their knowledge of the club and hopefully we can hit the ground running, get a few points on the board like I said and make a real good go of it.”
Interviewer: “You mentioned to us off-camera quite a unique situation you’ve got with Bailey Cadamarteri as well.”
Liam: “Yes, I’m sure his dad Danny won’t be too proud of this but I actually played with Danny a few years ago when I was a young pup and 18 years of age myself.
“So yes, that’s quite a strange scenario but again, an amazing young talent from an amazing family and hopefully we can nurture him and push in the right way again to keep his standards.
“I’m sure he does and it’s about maintaining that and he can go on to have an amazing career and hopefully at Sheffield Wednesday.”
Interviewer: “You mentioned the work that you’ve been doing to keep yourself available before coming here. Where are you in terms of how you’re feeling and are you ready to hit the ground running?”
Liam: “No, I feel really good. It’s hard at times being a free agent and having to train on your own. I’ve been very lucky to work in a guy back home called Steve Barrett. Special shout out to him because he’s kept me going. So yes, I feel in a good place. I’m strong, physically strong.
“Obviously, I lack that match minutes which is what everybody needs but I’m sure I’ve spoke to the head of performance etc at the club and we have a plan in place to build me up and integrate me back into first team training and the sooner the better for me.
“Like I said, I’m raring to go. I know we do have to listen to the stats at times but I’m sure any player will tell you in this situation all they want to do is be straight in.
“So yes, we’ll listen to those but a plan will be in place and the sooner the better.”
Interviewer: “You’ve joined Joe in a big week as well. Obviously, we’ve got the Steel City derby on Sunday. A bit of a buzz around the place. Good time to be joining the club?”
Liam: “Yes, definitely. I’ve already had the 90th minute winner shouts already so I will see. I don’t know if that game might come too soon. I’m not sure yet. It depends what the plan is.
“But yes, what a game to come into. I’d love to be a part of it. I know it means so much to the people of this city.
“Hopefully, we can go out there and get a positive result and turn the city blue and white.”
Interviewer: “You’ll have played at Hillsborough a few times, no doubt. What’s your experience been like there?”
Liam: “Always a difficult place to come. I know from experience how hard it is for opposition teams and that’s solely because of the atmosphere and the heritage of the stadium. I’ve always found it difficult here. I’ve always had good games here.
“Like I said at the start, we’re going to need them from the very get-go. We’re in a transition period now but we all need to come together and get that connection between the team and the city again and have a very good go.”
Interviewer: “You mentioned the fans and they’re obviously very excited that you’ve joined us as well. How much are you looking forward to being at Hillsborough as a home player in front of that support?”
Liam: “Honestly, I can’t wait. I think you can tell by my face and my reaction. It’s a special stadium, one of the old ones which really resonates well with myself.
“Like I said, that heritage and that history and I’m just excited to get out there and finally be a home player and not be taking abuse from the stands.”
Here’s how fans reacted as Liam Cooper speaks in first interview on the decision to sign for Sheffield Wednesday…
@SleepyJoel10: Just the kind of player you lot need. Absolute warrior who loves playing in the trenches, but also a pretty decent ball player too. All the best to you and Coops 👍
@NTTJA0: Quality signing, who brings experience and a strong leadership presence in the dressing room. He’ll be immense for the youngsters.
@David_balbi: Good luck Coops! Forever grateful for what you did at Leeds, absolute pleasure watching you lead us back to the Prem, and if you give Sheff Weds any of that they will have every chance of staying up 💛🤍💙👍
@SWFCNorthYorks: He was ‘The Voice’ in the Leeds United dressing room. Great addition for us.
@parmadiggyd: Great signing and leader you need and want around the place. He won’t carry no slackers. “If you don’t want to be here the fuck off”
@Cozy1978: Best of luck Super Duper Liam Cooper! Solid defender and first class team player. Great signing for Wednesday
@Craigfox27Fox: hope there’s a chance he stays next season…. perfect battling player to help us get onto league 1 👏👏👏
@PhilThumbs: Brilliant addition for your squad, will give you 110% 👍👊
@clurrrrxhx: Quality signing for us in my opinion. He’ll bring experience and a strong leadership presence in the dressing room. Plus he’ll be brilliant for the young lads. Let’s gooo 💙🦉
@TomTB1995: Good to get this one done. It’s been so obvious we’ve lacked a defensive leader. Always liked Cooper going back to his Chesterfield days. Welcome to Hillsborough, Liam.
@JBEddison: Absolutely stonking signing for the wendies, right character to have around under the circumstances at #swfc
