Elgin City’s Matthew Cooper on why he’s made loan move to Formartine United

Matthew Cooper is hoping to get back firing on all cylinders and win silverware after joining Formartine United on loan.

The defender moved to the Pitmedden outfit from parent club Elgin City last week on a deal until the end of the season.

Cooper has been with the League Two side for 11-and-a-half years, but has spent the majority of the last two years on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in February 2024.

The 31-year-old wants his spell with Formartine to help him get back up to speed.

He said: “I’ve been unlucky with injuries in the last couple of years and it got to the stage where Elgin and I felt it would be good for me to get out on loan and get some games.

“It took a while to materialise because there were quite a few boys injured at Elgin, but last week we got this sorted with Formartine and I’m happy to be here.

“After a couple of games I’ve played for Elgin this season I was fine and after a couple I picked up wee niggles.

“I need to get some continuity and to get a run of games to show what I can do.

“The plan is to go back and play for Elgin, it’s been frustrating when I’ve been breaking down.

“Maybe I’ve been pushing myself too much, but I need to build myself up and try to play five or six games in a row and take it from there.”

Chance to compete for trophies

As well as getting back playing regularly, Cooper is also determined to help Formartine have success this season.

United are sitting second in the Breedon Highland League, trailing Brechin City on goal difference, and have reached the semi-finals of the R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup.

Cooper, who made his Formartine debut in Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Nairn County at Station Park, added: “There were a few clubs that were interested.

“But I know the manager Stuart Anderson well and he was very keen.

“Formartine are up there fighting at the top of the league and that’s something I want to be involved in.

“I know a few of the boys in the squad and that helped make my mind up.

“It would be a big thing for me if we could win something. At Elgin we’ve been in the play-offs a few times but we haven’t managed to get that promotion yet.

“Everyone wants to win things, I’m not sure how long I’ll be with Formartine, but knowing that we’re fighting to try to win things was part of my reason for coming here.”

[Source: Press and Journal]