Swansea City's Ollie Cooper enjoying Wigan Athletic loan spell - 'A joy to be part of it'
Wigan Athletic loanee Ollie Cooper says he is loving life at the Brick Community Stadium, having arrived in the summer on loan from Championship outfit Swansea City.
The Wales international joined Ryan Lowe’s side on a season-long loan in the summer transfer window and has quickly settled into life in Wigan, making 11 appearances so far.
“Really good,” Cooper said when asked how he has found his first few months with the club.
"Obviously, all the boys have been top class since I’ve been here – very welcoming, supportive, communicating with me, which has been good. It’s helped me settle in really quickly, and it’s a joy to be part of it.
"It’s obviously been a bit of a tough patch, but I know we’re good enough to get through it and really kick on."
Cooper praised the dressing room atmosphere, describing the playing group as ‘top class’ for the way they have helped him adjust to life with the Tics.
"To be fair, all of them have kind of got around me and got to know me, made me feel comfortable,” he added.
"I share a car with some of the lads so I get to speak to them a bit more in the morning and on the way back from training, but to be fair, they’ve all been top class.”
And who makes up Cooper’s carpool?
"It’s me, Sess (Steven Sessegnon), Tyrese (Francois) and Joe (Hungbo), so it’s a good mixture,” he laughed.
Cooper came through the ranks at Swansea, making more than 100 appearances for the Welsh club, having made his professional debut in 2021.
The 25-year-old admits adapting to a new style of play has been an important learning curve, but one that he has embraced.
"It’s been a lot of learning, as with anything,” Cooper said. “It was obviously a bit different to how Swansea want to play, but I’ve had lots of chats with the gaffer, Whelo (Glenn Whelan, assistant) and Nicky (Adams, first-team coach). I’m always asking questions, and they’ve been able to give me the answers, which has helped me on the pitch. I’m enjoying it.
"We want to learn every day, and they are very good at helping you learn – whether it’s extras, clips, or whatever you want. You know you can go to them – the door is always open – and that’s all you want from your gaffer.”
Cooper recently opened his goal account for Latics, scoring in the 1-1 draw with Mansfield Town last month, and he is hoping it is the first of many.
"Fingers crossed,” Cooper smiled. “I’m hoping it’s just the start – I’d like to contribute more, whether it’s goals or assists. I still feel like there is a lot that I can offer, and it’s down to me now to try and do it.”
The Derby-born midfielder, who has five Welsh caps to his name, has also been impressed by the Wigan supporters, who spend their hard-earned money to travel up and down the country to follow Lowe’s side.
"Really good,” Cooper added. “Especially the away ones – the ones that are travelling long distances. It’s always good to see and hear them singing in good voice – they’ve been really good.”