Pompey move still interests Cooper

Last-minute hitches, late changes of mind, contracts whisked away, the 29-year-old has suffered it all this summer.

Still, on-off interest from Pompey is now, according to rumours, firmly back on again.

Cooper would welcome a move back to Fratton Park for what would be a third spell with the club he started off at as an apprentice.

Although Guy Whittingham has declined to comment on the links, it is no secret he is eyeing an experienced and versatile defender to bolster his squad.

In the meantime, Cooper is continuing to train at Bournemouth and he was in the crowd at Dean Court on Tuesday, watching the Blues’ 1-0 defeat.

He is still hoping and still waiting for a football club – but far from panicking.

Cooper said: ‘There is nothing at the moment, I am still waiting.

‘I am not panicking, I have known players not sign for clubs until as late as September so there is time yet.

‘The truth is I have been messed around a couple of times this summer.

‘There have been a couple of things that have suddenly ended up not being there.

‘I don’t include Pompey in that. I trained with them briefly last month but Guy made it clear there was nothing to really come out of it. I was not under any false impressions.

‘Other clubs, though, let me down really badly.

‘I played two games for Torquay in pre-season and was all set to go but that was pulled for financial reasons so I left almost three weeks ago.

‘Then there was a League One club, I drove myself over there, spoke to the manager and was set to sign – but they scrapped it.

‘It has been a bit up and down but Bournemouth have let me train with them throughout the summer so I am fit.

‘Of course I would be interested in Pompey, I always have been and I am available.

‘I suppose there has been speculation because it hasn’t been the greatest of starts.

‘Whoever it is, I am waiting for something to come up – and hopefully soon.’

Cooper made 14 appearances and scored twice after arriving at Fratton on loan from Crawley last season.

During that period he displayed his versatility – operating at left-back, right-back, left midfield and central midfield.

Those qualities have seen Whittingham consider signing him permanently on several occasions.

Cooper was an interested spectator on Tuesday night for the Capital One Cup loss.

He added: ‘I live locally and thought I would go and watch.

‘Pompey worked hard and everybody put a shift in.

‘But Bournemouth have got so much ability and stepped it up in the second half.

‘Pompey have definitely got enough as a squad in League Two.

‘There is no reason why they can’t be pushing for promotion.’