A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing ?

Last updated : 22 July 2005 By Ribble

Speculation is rife among PNE fans about a possible replacement for Eddie Lewis, and many fans seem to think it's a done deal. However those who are really in the know at Deepdale remain tight-lipped as to whether Kevin Cooper is even top of the wanted list, let alone whether any offers have been made for him. Preston boss Billy Davies will only agree that Cooper is one of a number of players being considered to fill the void left by Lewis, now with Leeds.

The out-of-favour left-winger (30) requested a transfer after failing to secure a regular first-team berth at Molyneux and was offered by Wolves manager Glenn Hoddle in part exchange for Derby forward Inigo Idiakez. This deal was rejected by Derby and a move by Dave Jones, his former boss at Wolves, to take him to Cardiff also fell through. Cooper's own preference may yet be decisive as he is a long-time fan of the Rams, but County are themselves forced to drive hard bargains at present since, despite having cut their 19 million pounds wage bill in half, they are still in debt by almost 40 million.

Wolves paid 1 million for Cooper in 2002 when he joined them from Wimbledon. Billy Davies, we assume, will be offering considerably less.

Kevin COOPER
Wolverhampton Midfielder
Height: 1.72m. Weight: 67.00kg. Nationality: England
Born: 08/02/1975 in Derby

96-97 Stockport 3 Goals, 12 Games (-)
97-98 Stockport 8 Goals, 37 Games (-)
98-99 Stockport 1 Goals, 38 Games (-)
99-00 Stockport 5 Goals, 46 Games (-)
00-01(mar)Stockport 5 Goals, 35 Games (-)
00-01 Wimbledon 3 Goals, 11 Games (-)
01-02(mar)Wimbledon 10 Goals, 40 Games (-)
01-02 Wolverhampton 1 Goals, 7 Games (-)
02-03 Wolverhampton 3 Goals, 27 Games (-)
02-03 Wolverhampton (Champions League Cup Winners Cup + UEFA Cup)