Leyton Orient star wanted by Reading sent back to Swansea City after 'moment of madness'

Leyton Orient supporters have reacted to news that Swansea City loanee Brandon Cooper has had his temporary stay with the London club terminated after 17 appearances for the Os.

The Welsh defender joined the club on deadline day last summer having spent the back end of last season on loan at Forest Green Rovers. Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens praised the player as "a very good organiser" and a "strong voice at the back" when the deal was completed.

Leyton Orient beat League One rivals Reading to the loan signing of Cooper, with the Royals reported to have enquired with the Welsh club over a loan deal that might have worked with their financial constraints.

Cooper soon became a permanent fixture in Wellens' starting XI and turned in a series of impressive performances at the beginning of the season. However, the wheels came off the player's loan spell in what fans have coined as a 'moment of madness' when he was sent off against Derby County at the start of December.

The 23-year-old saw red just before half-time for an intentional elbow on Rams player James Collins. The aggressive challenge was condemned by Leyton Orient fans and League One followers alike.

Announcing Wellens' departure today, a statement on the O's club website read: "Leyton Orient can confirm that defender Brandon Cooper has returned to Swansea City following the expiration of his loan deal.

"In the first half of the season, 23-year-old Cooper made 17 appearances for the O’s with 13 of those coming as starts in Sky Bet League One. The club would like to wish Brandon all the best for the future."

It's fair to say there was little love lost as Leyton Orient fans reacted to the news online, lamenting how the player's loan deal ended after such a promising start. One supporter wrote on X: "Exactly what we needed at the time he came in. Was strong and made our back line tougher when we were being bullied. A great start and a fantastic debut at Exeter but just lost his way in recent months. Shame it didn’t work out but wish him all the best. Definitely a player there."

Another added: "Started off very well but sadly fell apart. The ridiculous red card against Derby was the final nail in his coffin. Must replace him ASAP."