QPR sanctioned a new loan for young goalkeeper Murphy Cooper in the summer transfer window with Stevenage bringing him in.
QPR have had goalkeeper Murphy Cooper on the books for some time, first bringing him into the academy ranks way back in 2012.
The 22-year-old has worked his way through the setup in West London since, playing extensively for their U18s and development squad over the years. He earned chances to gain experience in non-league football thereafter, spending time with Welling United, Bath City and Stratford Town.
2023 yielded his first chance at professional level with Swindon Town bringing him in for half a season. That stay was a tough one though, with Cooper offered little protection in his 25 games as the Robins shipped a hefty 52 goals in that time.
Cooper would return to the QPR setup for the rest of last season but saw a new loan sanctioned in the summer. The move to Stevenage on a year-long deal marked a step up too, with the ‘keeper heading to League One for the first time.
Impressing with the Boro
Stevenage boss Alex Revell quickly entrusted Cooper with the starting berth after bringing him in in the summer transfer window and it hasn’t taken long for the QPR loanee to make a positive impact.
Barring two games on the bench last month – both of which the Boro lost – Cooper has started every League One game. 13 third-tier outings have seen the youngster keep a highly impressive seven clean sheets, a total only bettered by Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo and Joe Whitworth of Exeter City.
Cooper has performed well with the help of an experienced backline in front of him.
The likes of Carl Piergianni, Dan Butler, Lewis Freestone, Luther James-Wildin, Kane Smith, Nathan Thompson, Dan Sweeney and Charlie Goode make up the defensive ranks at the Lamex Stadium.
A future at QPR
Cooper came into this season with a question over what the long-term future could hold for him at QPR and it still remains to be seen just how his situation pans out.
He made the loan move to Stevenage with a year left on his contract at Loftus Road. If the Rs want to keep him, they will have to negotiate fresh terms with him once he returns.
If he continues to impress in League One, you can’t help but feel if the Championship club will look into keeping a player who has come a long way under their watch.
If not though, Cooper will not be short of admirers elsewhere
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