ATTACKING midfielder Chay Cooper has left Braintree Town and signed for their Essex rivals Chelmsford City.
The creative 24-year-old has joined the Clarets on a two-year deal, ahead of the 2026/27 National League South campaign.
It brings to an end Cooper’s two-year spell at Braintree, who will also be playing in National League South next season following their relegation from the fifth tier.
Former Colchester United duo depart League Two side
Cooper told the Chelmsford City website: “I am a very exciting player. Every time I get the ball, I will get you off your seat. I’m going to score goals and create them.
“Speaking to the chairman and speaking to John, and seeing the manager that’s come in, the way it’s going is only in a forward direction.”
Chay Cooper gives his thoughts🏆 pic.twitter.com/cGc70v4cCB
— Chelmsford City FC (@OfficialClarets) June 1, 2026
Cooper made 21 league and cup appearances for Colchester after joining them in September, 2021.
The former Spurs and Southend United youngster played 15 times for the U’s first team in the 2023/24 season but spent some of the second half of that campaign on loan at National League side, Hartlepool United.
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He was released by Colchester in the summer of 2024 and joined Braintree, where he made 83 league and cup appearances, scoring six times.
Chelmsford head of football John Still said: “Cooper is a talented boy, he has come from the National League, he has always been a player that will catch your eye.
“He is very good technically, he likes to get on the ball and can contribute to goals and certainly assists.”
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