Chay Cooper (born 17 November 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for National League South side Chelmsford City.
Career Cooper began playing for Southend United at the age of 10. Towards the end of the 2016–17 season, he joined Tottenham Hotspur from Southend as a scholar. He was loaned back to Southend to play in their Under-23 team to get some game time in October 2020.
At the end of the 2020–21 season, Cooper was released by Tottenham. After featuring in a number of pre-season friendlies for Colchester United's Under-23 side, he signed a deal with the club on 3 September 2021.
On 28 September 2021, Cooper made his first-team debut for Colchester, starting in their 1–0 EFL Trophy victory against West Ham United Under-21s. In Cooper's Football League debut, he came off the bench to score the second goal away at Hartlepool United which Colchester won 2–0. On 2 February 2023, Cooper joined National League South club St Albans City on loan until the end of the season. His goal in a match against Harrogate Town was voted as Colchester's Goal of the Season for the 2023–24 season.
On 16 February 2024, Cooper signed for National League club Hartlepool United on loan.
In June 2024, Cooper turned down a new contract at Colchester and opted to sign for newly promoted National League side Braintree Town instead.
On 1 June 2026, Cooper signed for National League South club Chelmsford City.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsColchester United2021–22League Two11200020512022–23League Two10000000102023–24League Two102100041153Total123300061214St Albans City (loan)2022–23National League South22600—00226Hartlepool United (loan)2023–24National League9000—0090Braintree Town2024–25National League43410—524962025–26National League38221—62465Total81631—1149511Career total12415610017514721
References
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