21 Questions With... Matty Cooper

Name: Matt Cooper

Age: 29

Trafford Appearances: 50

Trafford Goals: 0

Matty Cooper is Trafford's number 1; he saves shots for fun. Having signed from Colwyn Bay in August 2018, Matty has been very consistent in his performances and if it wasn't for injuries, would have been a real contender for player of the year for last season. His previous clubs include Glossop North End where he appeared at wembley stadium in the FA Vase final in 2009.

Matt Cooper

1. There were a few songs coming out from the players changing room after the win against Ossett United. How important were the three points?

Every 3 points in this league are big and having not had a game for 3 weeks its always important to get  a win, especially to keep our current run going.

2. We hadn't played in 3 weeks before the Ossett game, how difficult is it when games are called off and does it impact on momentum?

It can sometimes help to have the odd game called off especially if you have played a lot of Saturday Tuesdays on the bounce, it gives lads a bit of a rest and chance to recover, (Unless we get the leigh sports village text on a Saturday morning when games get called off).  It can massively impact on momentum and fitness but I think the lads proved against Ossett that we can grind wins out even when we haven’t played for a couple of weeks.

3. When out on the pitch, you are one of the most talkative keepers I've seen, how important is it for you to have that role and do you think the players listen to you?

Its just become part of my game now to be honest, it probably helps me concentrate throughout the game too. Some of the younger lads listen but absolutely no chance do any of the older lads, probably wish I would shut up.

4. This is you 2nd season at Trafford. How does this club compare to others you've played for?

I think you can start with the pitch, that compares to none that I have played at previous. When people say it’s a family club you definitely get that feel about the place which always makes it enjoyable turning up.

5. What happened at Dunston: did you have something in your eye? Seriously though, it was another vital win in the end with another late winner - how important is the team spirit in getting these type of results?

Dunston? You tell me, oh wait you didn’t fancy that game (missus wouldn’t let you travel that far I heard). 

I think it was just one of them once in a career things, probably a lapse in concentration on my part and when you play in net you don’t get away with them, (might make the Trafford Christmas Gaffs DVD though). The team spirit in that game showed massively, from falling behind twice in the game to going on to win especially in the conditions just shows how much togetherness there is in this group of lads.

6. Another tough away game on Saturday. What are your thoughts ahead of the game against Brighouse?

The thoughts are the same as they are every week, we go there to take the 3 points and hopefully play some good football in the meantime.

7. I hear you're in charge of the fines this year... whats the funniest/daftest fine you've dished out?

I am, no one else can be trusted with it. There aren’t really any daft ones just the usual stuff, the one that the gaffer insists on is fining the lads for wearing black hats, or some bobble hats have been fined recently in training.

8. And have you had to fine yourself at all?

I have I’m about £70 in so far, missed the team night out which was £50. I don’t mind paying fines though it all goes to a good cause.

9. Best game you've been involved in with Trafford?

You would have to say the cup final last year, it was a great night for the lads and also fans. Beating teams from higher leagues is always good and to win a cup on the back of it makes it even better.

10. Best goalkeeper there's ever been?

For me it was Peter Schmeichel, that’s who I watched growing up.

11. Who is the best finisher at the club?

Judging on goals scored you would have to say Lewis Salmon but JJ (Sanchez) is very experienced in finding the back of the net.

12. And who couldn't finish their dinner?

There’s a few to be fair and there all very nervous as it’s a fine for every outfield player who hasn’t scored before Christmas.

13. Who is scarier: Tom or DC?

Both pussycats

14. After a poor start, we are getting ourselves into a good position leading up the the xmas period. Do you set yourself goals in terms of points/league positions or is it a case of just one game at a time?

We have set goals as a team where we want to be, at the start of the season the objective is always setting your sights on winning the league and if you fail to do that you want to be in the playoffs minimum. We’re stepping in the right direction where we want to be and will just keep ticking them off one by one and see where it takes us.

15. We've played many of the teams in the top half of the table, who has been the toughest opponents so far this season?

There’s a few good sides in the league this year, Marske may have just edged it for me but there’s no one better than us on our day in the league.

16. It goes without saying that our pitch is one of the best in non-league, but do you think that inspires away teams when visiting here?

100%, have you seen of some of the other pitches in the league. If you don’t turn up to Trafford and want to play on that pitch then you may as well give up playing.

17. Which away ground is the best you've played at?

I have played at Wembley before so nothing would come close to that really.

18. Best game you've been involved in in terms of atmosphere?

Probably again playing at Wembley, the whole thing about that experience is something I wont ever forget.

19. Who do you support?

Manchester United

20. Sporting hero/inspiration?

Sam Edge, top salesman

21. Who are you nominating for the next 21 Questions with?

JJ (Sanchez)