For Jake Cooper, the 6ft 7in captain of Millwall, the 2025-26 season was a journey of extreme highs and devastating lows. From the thrill of a promotion charge to the silence of a play-off exit, Cooper's experience provides a rare window into the daily existence of an EFL footballer.

The Grind of the Championship

Life for Cooper is a balance of intense physical demand and tactical preparation. A typical week involves recovery sessions on Mondays, high-intensity gym work on Tuesdays, and tactical 11-v-11 training on Thursdays. By Friday, the focus shifts to set pieces and fine-tuning details before the weekend's battle.

The mental toll is equally significant. Cooper recounted a period in March where he battled norovirus, forcing him to travel separately with club medical staff. Despite the illness, he powered through to score in a 3-1 win over Hull City, describing the effort as "a lot, mentally, just to get out on the pitch."

Family and the 'Dad Mode'

Away from the spotlight of The Den, Cooper transitions into what his family calls "dad mode." Living in Berkshire with his wife Beth and three children—Elsie, Emelia, and Henry—Cooper strives to keep football separate from home life. Interestingly, his daughters find football "boring," preferring horse riding over watching their father's matches.

However, the lifestyle comes with sacrifices. Beth highlighted the uncertainty and the physical distance the game creates. "It’s things like Christmas or Easter, that’s one of the worst things for me, because the games are so busy and he’s away," she shared.

The Millwall Identity

Having been with the club since 2017, Cooper speaks with pride about the unique culture of Millwall. While the club has historically been associated with violence and hooliganism, Cooper emphasizes the honesty and loyalty of the fanbase. "Our fans feel they have a right to show people The Den is a tough place and we’re a tough club — we don’t take prisoners," Cooper explained.

The Agony of the Play-offs

The season's peak saw Millwall as high as third in the league, even receiving a private plane treat from Chairman James Berylson after a victory against Middlesbrough. However, the dream of the Premier League ended abruptly in the play-off semi-finals. After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, Millwall suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Hull City.

Reflecting on the defeat, Cooper described it as "the worst feeling I’ve had, to be honest." He admitted that the team failed to handle the occasion, stating, "If you’re not going to perform on nights like that, then you’re going to get punished."

Despite the heartbreak, the captain remains focused on the future, hoping to emulate teams like Coventry City by bouncing back from play-off failure to secure a title in the following season. "We have to start again and try to do that for them," he concluded, referring to the loyal Millwall supporters.

"I feel like the honesty is what I love about being a part of the club... The fans are very loyal, very honest."