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Terry Cooper started out as a left winger as a youngster, but
Don Revie converted him into one of the best left-backs that
England has ever produced. Yorkshire-born, he had trials with
Wolves but joined Leeds as an apprentice at 16, but it wasn't until
the 64-65 season that he managed to replace Willie Bell as Leeds'
first-choice in the number 3 shirt. His experience as a winger
meant that he was a major threat to the opposition, and his
overlapping runs and crosses were responsible for a regular flow of
goals from the strikers.
He was a key part of the Championship-winning side in 1969,
scored the winner in the 1968 League Cup Final and represented
England in the 1970 World Cup. He missed out on Leeds' victory in
the 1972 FA Cup Final, having sustained a broken leg just a month
earlier and remaining on the sidelines for 20 months as a result.
He played just a handful of games as Don Revie's team won the
League in 1974, and his England recall later that year lasted
barely 20 minutes before another injury forced him off.
After leaving Leeds in 1975, TC's career took him on a big tour
of the country, playing at Boro and Bristol City, operating as
player-coach of Bristol Rovers, assisting Billy Bremner at
Doncaster, and then returning to Bristol City as player-manager and
then player-director, triumphing in the 1986 Freight Rover Trophy
final. He also did well down at Exeter, moved up to manage
Birmingham City and then returned to Exeter in 1993-94 as a result
of Brum's boardroom conflicts.
He's currently working as a scout for Southampton, and has
uncovered quite a bit of sensibly priced talent for them from
Europe, and his son Mark is in charge at Tamworth.
Peter Tyler says: I bought an apartment in Tenerife that was
owned by Terry. I now live full time there and still see him
occasionally when he is not scouting for Southampton. He is one of
the nicest and most sincere persons I have ever met Genuine and
down to earth. His wife Rose is the same.
Pete says: TC was my idol. As a youngster, I watched LUFC and
was taken to the matches by my granddad who was the commisionaire
posted on the players lounge. Thru this I was lucky enough to be
given TC's stocking tag - signed! But I've lost it!! Check out
http://www.terrycoopertags.co.uk
Chris Morgan says: hi chris morgan cardiff s.wales uk. i met
terry cooper in cardiff great guy also at the old traing ground
next to gropund in those days ive since written totel abroad and as
usaul being a gent replied and retuned my items back i have a large
colection of leeds signatures a lot of doubles which im willing to
swap incl billy bremner for signatures i ve no got i stress im not
a dealer just a real fan of leeds a gen collecter if you wish you
can contact me chris morgan 02920218188. no dealers please thanking
you a great player
Dave Johnson says: Met TC in a bar Portugal 2004,just before
swiss game, what a top bloke he is!,introduced by the Birmingham
City Chairman of London branch( another top bloke) had a little
chat, he's 20 yrs on me, and looks better all ends up!! Happy
Birthday TC!
donna barker says: i have always been a big leeds fan and in
1972 at the age of 12 i went to see leeds play against arsnel at
elland road,a birthday present from my dad,who had written to don
revie and ask if it was possible for me to meet terry cooper,well
just before the match i was taken to meet him and don revie,he was
my idol,i ran up to him give him a big hug and a kiss and he signed
a picture i had of him what a lovely birthday present that was.then
years later when he was manager of birmingham i wrote to him he did
not remember that day but rang me at home saying that they were
playing reading on saturday(f.a.cup match)and had two tickets for
me if i would like to come,of course i went he met me outside the
grounds,and gave me the tickets we chatted a while and then he went
inside,what a gentleman he is,to take the time to see an old
fan.thank you terry
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