5

Jake Cooper

Immediately proved a steadying influence alongside Toby Mullarkey in central defence when he arrived on loan from Rotherham United in February, 2022, and though he lost his place in the starting line-up to the impressive Kyle Ferguson, he had done enough by then to convince Phil Parkinson he was worth signing full-time when the Yorkshire club decided against retaining him.

At 21 years old when he committed to Alty in the summer of 2022, he is another who fits the Phil Parkinson identikit of young, hungry players.