Deanna Cooper


Deanna Rose Cooper is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Women's Championship club Newcastle United. She previously played for Gillingham, Brighton & Hove Albion, London Bees, Chelsea and Reading.

Football career

London Bees

Cooper played for London Bees during the 2016 FA WSL season. Playing primarily as a centreback defender, she scored 1 goal in her 11 appearances for the club. During the first round of the 2016 FA WSL Cup, she scored an equaliser against former champions Chelsea which resulted in a penalty shootout and win for the Bees.

Chelsea

Cooper signed with Chelsea in February 2017. Of her signing, she said, "It is a dream of mine to join a pro club so to be here is an amazing feeling. I have worked my way through the ranks and am delighted to have done enough to earn a contract with Chelsea." Cooper was a starting defender in 8 of the 11 matches in the FA WSL Spring Series, helping the team win with a record.
Ahead of the 2017–18 season, she experienced an ACL injury. In March 2018, she signed a two-year extension with Chelsea.

Reading

On 17 July 2020, Reading announced the signing of Cooper. On 7 July 2022, Reading announced that Cooper had signed a new two-year contract with the club.

Newcastle United

On 5 July 2024, Newcastle United announced the signing of Cooper upon the expiration of her contract at Reading.

Career statistics

Club

Honours

;Chelsea
Cooper played cricket for Kent between 2008 and 2016, playing as a right-arm medium bowler and right-handed batter. She also played for England Academy and in the Super Fours. She retired from cricket after sustaining an injury.