Joe goes down academic route
First-year professional Joe Cooper has quit Latics to further his education.The 18-year-old defender (pictured) has had his one-year contract terminated so he can enroll at Leeds Metropolitan University where he is to study economics.
Lee Johnson admitted it was a shock when Springhead-based Cooper, who has been at the club since the age of 10, earlier today asked to be released.
It was Latics' manager who handed Cooper his league debut at right back in the end-of-season match at Shrewsbury Town.
Johnson said: "I would like to wish Joe well in the future. Obviously he has thought long and hard and we won't stand in his way.
"He has ambitions about a career in business and let's hope in 10 years' time I switch on BBC2 and see him on Dragon's Den as a dragon."
Johnson admitted it is disappointing to lose Cooper.
He continued: "Joe came through the youth system and a lot of work was put into his development.
"We believed he had a good chance to become a top player.
"Joe is an intelligent lad and sometimes in life you decide to take a different route to being a footballer.
"I respect the decision he has made and would like to thank him for his efforts for the club."
"He has ambitions about a career in business and let's hope in 10 years' time I switch on BBC2 and see him on Dragon's Den as a dragon."
Johnson admitted it is disappointing to lose Cooper.
He continued: "Joe came through the youth system and a lot of work was put into his development.
"We believed he had a good chance to become a top player.
"Joe is an intelligent lad and sometimes in life you decide to take a different route to being a footballer.
"I respect the decision he has made and would like to thank him for his efforts for the club."