The 22-year-old rejected a new contract at Colchester United to link up with Angelo Harrop’s new-look squad.

Cooper was out of contract at the U’s and despite being offered a fresh deal, has decided to link up with Braintree.

The versatile attacker says signing for newly-promoted Iron was a ‘no brainer’.

Cooper told Braintree Town FC: “I’ve known Angelo for quite a bit.

“I think his relationship with Colchester is quite good.

“I was going to come down here a couple of seasons ago for a loan but at the time, it wasn’t right.

“We’ve always stayed in contact and I think he sort of put the project there for me and it was a very, very positive one.

“I think the way that the club’s going is in a really good direction and he sold me a dream really.

“It was something that I couldn’t turn down.

“There were a few other clubs that were very, very close to going forward, in a positive direction.

“But I just think, the ambition here from the manager and the club and the way it’s going, it was a no brainer for me really.”

Cooper made 21 league and cup appearances for Colchester since joining them in September, 2021.

He played 15 times for the U’s first team last season but spent part of the second half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at National League side, Hartlepool United and is now planning for a fresh start, at Braintree.

“The conversations with Angelo were very, very positive,” added the ex-Southend United youngster.

“It’s a very young, attacking and creative team, this season who like going forward and I think I’ll add to that quite well.

“He told me what he wants from me this year and I think what he wants from me and the team, we’ll both bring the best out of each other.

“I’d like to think I can get some goals and assists, this season.

“I know quite a few of the players, so I think the relationships with them will work well for me and it will bring quite a good thing to the team.

“It’ll be good to be with the boys and see a few new faces, a few familiar faces and just get the group going.

“We’ve got a few weeks until the start of the season, so it’ll give us time to train together, play games and just get a real good feel factor for everyone.”