Copps had started his career as a trainee at Darlington, however at the age of 17 he moved to Newcastle United for 500,000 in a joint move with Paul Robinson, not the goalkeeper. At the time of the move, Kenny Dalglish was manager of the toon, however his departure saw new manager Sir Bobby Robson take the role.
Copps made 1 first team appearance in his time at St. James' Park, coming on as a substitute in 2000 against Tottenham Hotspurs. During his time, he spent a loan spell at QPR, however didn't make an appearance, he also spent 2 loan spells at Hartlepool, making a total of 24 appearances, scoring 5 goals. He was also linked with a 650,000 move to Scottish club Hearts.
Copps at Hartlepool
Jamie left the Newcastle in 2002 and joined Exeter City, he went on to make 82 appearances for the Grecians scoring 13 goals. It was then in 2004 that he made his move to Belle Vue.
Above is the interview he gave after signing
Rovers were in pre season, ready to start their first year in League 1, and Jamie was a welcome addition. Despite being an important part of the team, in his first season he failed to find the net in his first season, making a total of 38 appearances in all competitions. He scored his first goal for Rovers on 26th November 2005 winning 2-0 to Bristol City. He has enjoyed many successful moments with Doncaster, so far, one of the first big moments he was involved in was the 2005-2006 League Cup run, which saw Belle Vue rocking, beating Manchester City, Aston Villa, and coming close to beating Arsenal. The next season saw Copps play his part in the team that won the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, but arguably his best moment came the next season. With Rovers pushing for League 1 promotion, we earned a play off spot.
It was the semi final against Southend, and after a 0-0 draw at Roots Hall, it was all to play for in the second leg at the Keepmoat.
Brain Stock scored an 11th minute penatly, and an own goal by Adam Barratt in the 21st put Rovers 2-0 up.
But then on the 38th minute, O'Connor wins the ball back, by the touchline, and gets it to Copps who uses his quick feet the wriggle his way past 5 Southend players to just inside the box before slotting it past Darryl Flahavan in the goal.
It was then in the second half, the 51st minute, Copps received the ball again by the touchline, and going past Southend players as if they wasn't there, he cut inside to a central position on the edge of the box where he shot with his left foot, again finding the back of the net.
In the 78th minute, Copps was again running into the box, this time it looked like he was wanting to pick out a team mate, with 3 Rovers players already in the box. Instead he was brought down just outside the box by Nick Bailey. Copps stood over the freekick he had won, with Paul Green standing with his back to the goal 2 meters away, Copps passed the ball to Greeny, who stopped it for Copps to hit, he curled it into the far left top corner.
This was a truly excellent hattrick, maybe the best I have ever seen. Ever goal was worthy of goal of the month.
A bad day for the Southend goalkeeper, however he cannot be put at blame for the sheer excellence. Darryl himself made an impressive 294 appearances for Southend in 8 years and is currently at Bournemouth.
Rovers of course went on to win the Play Off final against a small local team called Leeds United, with Copps playing his part in that match.
With Rovers now in the Championship, Copps was still a major part in the team, making at least 30 league appearances in the 4 years before relegation.
His fine form, and ability to win the game on his day, he attracted interest from clubs including Ipswich and Barnsley. However Ipswich seemed to never make an official serious bid, despite a few numbers been rumored, and Copps rejected Barnsley.
In January 2012, he became one of only 10 players to reach 300 league appearances for Rovers.
With Rovers relegated from the Championship, new manager Dean Saunders needed to cut the wage bill.
In August 2012, Rovers fans feared the worst when the team coach stopped on the motorway for a player to get off and join another club, it was James Coppinger who exited the coach, linking up with ex manager Sean O'Driscoll. However he only made 2 starts and 4 sub appearances.
Ending his loan in December, he returned to Doncaster and played an important part in Rovers winning League 1 at first try. Many Rovers fans said, his return was just like a new signing and brought a lot to the squad.
In fact, Copps played his part in Rovers history once again, and one of the best, most exciting moments in English football as the league ended in fantastic style.
They say a picture says a thousand words, and i'm not going to describe what happend, but instead watch the video below.
It was James Coppinger that got the goal, and we won the League 1 and earned promotion.
On the 15th March 2014, James became 1 of 5 players to reach 250 league appearances for Rovers.
The 5th April 2014, Rovers are at home to Birmingham, if selected, James Coppinger will make his 400th appearance in all competitions for Doncaster Rovers. An achievement that is incredible.
This achievement shows great loyalty, and when people question if there is loyalty in the modern game, just think of Copps. He has had the opportunity to player for 'bigger' teams but has stayed loyal.
On Saturday, the club have a special plan for Copps, however, details of this plan are being kept secret, however what we do know is the match day programme will be a special one to show his achievement, also as fans we will sing his name before the match and on the 26th minute. Also after the game, whatever the result, don't beat the traffic, stay in the ground, maybe something will happen then.
Testimony, for me, we need to sell out the Keepmoat, I think Newcastle would be fitting, with him starting his professional career there.
The future, I have seen many people say they would like him to become a future manager for Rovers, or a coach. But for me, I hope he has a few seasons left here. We have seen recently his adaptability whilst playing right back. I hope he gets a contract extension at the end of the season, 2 years maybe. Even if players like Duffy and Forrester keep him out of the first team, he is a hell of a substitute to come on. After he does hang up the boots, I hope he sticks around at Donny, and gets a role within the club. I would also like to see his number retired. I am unlikely to see a player reach what he has in a Rovers shirt. However, he is only 33!
His latest interview post Sheffield Wednesday
Thanks for the years Jamie!
Copps has played with 5 managers at Rovers
Penney, O'Driscol, Saunders, Flynn and Dickov
Copps played at both Belle Vue and the Keepmoat, scoring at both
Colin Douglas holds the record for the most Rovers appearances with 444, between 2 spells at Rovers. (not including wartime leagues)
Fred Emery holds to record for the most League appearances for Rovers with 417.
Syd Bycroft who made 333 official appearances could of beaten Fred, however the Second World War limited his appearances. (he made 501 appearances including wartime leagues)
James Coppinger stats whilst at Doncaster
Signed 2004
League
Appearances
353
Goals
35
F.A Cup
Appearances
18
Goals
0
League Cup
Appearances
18
Goals
2
Johnstone's Paint Trophy
Appearances
7
Goals
0
Play Offs
Appearances
3
Goals
3
All Competitions
Appearances
399
Goals
40
Career Total
Appearances
519
Goals
59
Acheivements
Johnstone's Paint Trophy 2006-2007
League 1 Play-Off final winners 2007-2008
League 1 Champions 2012-2013
I do not own the pictures or videos
Hi all, thanks for reading, I would just like to add that I have been working on a Doncaster Rovers app, the app has been approved and will be available to download soon, however, I am not 100% happy with it yet and need a handful of people to download it and us the app and report back to me with feedback. The app will be free to use and download. If anyone is interested in helping out you need to email me at thedonnypop@gmail.com and just explain that you are interested in helping out with the app. For more info contact me.
Thanks
Copps is a legend and I hope he gets the testimonial he deserves. The article on the other hand is utter filth, reads like it was written by my 12 year old sister. Why bother when your standard of english is worse than a dazed Moroccan stumbling under the Channel Tunnel?
ReplyDeleteI do encourage everyone to have a go, I admit myself I am no writer
ReplyDeleteNice piece. Don't be dispirited the critics. 'Anonymous' is is no position to criticise. A capital E for English and a re-working of his desperately clumsy second line might have helped him stay on his high horse.
ReplyDelete