James Coppinger has been a Doncaster Rovers player for 16 years and counting. Whilst, most players that stay at a club for such a long period of time are lauded as ‘legends’, Coppinger deserves the title more than most.
James Coppinger: A Doncaster Rovers Legend
Signing In 2004
Coppinger signed for Doncaster Rovers, who had just been promoted to League One, for £30,000.
The midfielder started out at Newcastle United, where he was shipped out on loan to Queens Park Rangers and Hartlepool United – to the latter on two occasions.
Coppinger eventually left Newcastle for Exeter City, whom he’d later leave for Dave Penney’s Doncaster side, two years on.
He is a player that can operate in any midfield position but tends to play an attacking role.
He has a special place in the hearts of Rovers fans’ and remains a threat to the opposition, despite being 39-years-old.
Nottingham Forest Loan Spell
After Doncaster’s relegation from the Championship at the end of the 2011/12 season, Coppinger reluctantly left to join Nottingham Forest on loan.
Doncaster were looking to cut the wage bill after the relegation.
At Forest, he was reunited with a trio of former Rovers compatriots in manager Sean O’Driscoll and former teammates Simon Gillett and Billy Sharp.
However, he returned to the Keepmoat Stadium at the end of the loan in January 2013.
Coppinger might have expected to feature more at the City Ground, having made just 6 appearances.
Legendary Status
Coppinger has made over 600 appearances for Doncaster Rovers, scoring 72 goals and assisting over 100 goals.
He has been at the forefront of the football club for many years now. An admirable professional who has done his bit for charity too.
As well as, speaking out about mental health. Coppinger is a true club man and a good advertisement for Rovers’ reputation as a family club.
Despite conceding captaincy in 2018, Coppinger was named ‘club’ captain in August 2019.
He replaced Andy Butler, who is now manager of Doncaster Rovers Belles. Popular midfielder Ben Whiteman, formerly of the famous Manchester United academy, became ‘team’ captain.
I would hazard a guess that the midfielder’s best moment at the club was when he scored the winner at Griffin Park in April 2013. Brentford needed to beat Doncaster for promotion, a result which would have demoted Rovers to the play-offs. It was all set to happen.
Marcello Trotta from the spot. He missed. Doncaster went up the other end and the ball fell aptly for James Coppinger, Doncaster’s legend, to secure the League One title, one point above AFC Bournemouth.
A season forever etched in history for the South Yorkshire side. A legacy sealed for Coppinger if it wasn’t already.
Coppinger also lifted the Football League Trophy (2006/07) during his time at the club. He was named in the PFA’s League Two Team of the Year in 2016/17.
Plans To Continue?
Coppinger may be approaching his forties, but he has shown little intention of hanging up his boots.
His game time has been carefully selected in recent years as the club look to get the best out of him and he likewise for the club.
Coppinger is out-of-contract in the summer. He has been extending on an almost year-to-year basis. With the financial effect of the coronavirus pandemic, it remains to be seen what happens regarding contract extensions at the club.
He has still very much got it though. So if they can afford it, and he is keen, they must keep him on. Coppinger managed 4 goals and 9 assists in 33 games during the course of the now-ended 2019/20 season.
Managerial Prospects
There were minor hopes for Coppinger to replace Grant McCann, who left his position as manager for Hull City in 2019.
It would not be a surprise to see him in the dugout at the Keepmoat one day. However, Doncaster are in good hands with another former player in Darren Moore at the moment – one of just a few BAME managers in the top four tiers of English football.
Main Photo
