Super Cooper joins the Exiles

10:57am Wednesday 16th July 2008

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WINGER Kevin Cooper is looking forward to making a big impact at Newport County after signing from rivals Cardiff City.

Cooper, 33, joins former Wimbledon team-mate Dean Holdsworth at Spytty Park after his Ninian Park contract expired.

The wide-man, comfortable on either flank, joins the semi-professional ranks after a 14-year professional career that has seen him make more than 350 appearances at Premiership and Football League level.

Cooper has played for 11 professional clubs (five on loan) and has been transferred for just short of £2million in his career.

The former Derby County apprentice is best known for a long association with current Cardiff boss Dave Jones, who worked with the player three times, for Stockport County, Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Bluebirds.

After signing on the dotted line Cooper told the Argus that he was motivated by the chance to work with Holdsworth again.

He explained: "I spoke to Dean about a month ago and he explained what he wanted to do here and how he intended to make the club very professional in terms of mentality.

"I went away on holiday and thought things through and decided it was important for me to start enjoying my football again.

"He sold the club to me straight away, I did have other offers but have decided this is the best thing for me and my family.

"I've been at Cardiff for three years and we're settled in South Wales, so I am pleased to stay in the area at a team where my family can come and watch.

"It's a great time to come to Newport, for one reason or another I've not played much in the past 18 months and regular football again is just what I want.

"Until January I was still part of the Cardiff dressing room and squad and think I can make a real impact at this level."

Cooper doesn't fear the non-league game and feels the Exiles are on the road to becoming full-time.

"I want to do my coaching badges, the FAW are running a UEFA B course and I intend to do it," he said.

"But the ambition for Newport is high and hopefully we can push on, get promoted and become full-time next season.

"I will work as hard here as ever before, I pride myself on working hard and I want to become really integral to Newport, it's a great honour to be part of things."

Cooper's signing represents a significant coup for boss Holdsworth who didn't want to lose winger Jason Bowen, who was in Champions League action last night for Llanelli.

However, only one member of the Exiles squad is familiar to Cooper.

"I only know Jenks (Steve Jenkins) who has kicked me up and down more times than I would like to remember!" he said.