Preserving the hard work…
James Coppinger has played close to 450 games for Doncaster Rovers since he signed for the club in the summer of 2004.To celebrate that feat, he is hosting a ‘Legends’ game at Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday.
As the club counts down to this momentous match which will feature stars of Coppinger’s era, we are reviewing each of his seasons in the famous red and white hoops.
2010/11
Heavily linked with moves elsewhere, it was rumoured that James Coppinger’s career at Doncaster Rovers was coming to a close.
The proverbial season of two halves was about to unravel for the South Yorkshire side who, if they had managed to mirror their first half of the season, would have had a comfortable season.
As it panned out, Coppinger and his Doncaster comrades clung on in the New Year to save themselves from relegation.
A positive opening day win at Preston was contrasted by a League Cup first round defeat to Accrington Stanley and a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Cardiff City – who would finish in the play-offs.
On a personal note for Coppinger though, a goal in a 3-1 win over Hull City was encouraging, but nowhere near as much as netting a hat-trick – his second in Rovers colours – in a home win over Norwich City who would go on to achieve promotion!
Notable strikes in wins over Sheffield United (2-0) and Portsmouth (3-2) only further cemented the belief that Coppinger and Doncaster belonged at this level.
However, the wheels were about to come off in near catastrophic fashion with many citing an early January draw with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane as the cause with Sean O’Driscoll’s men surrendering a two goal advantage in the SEVENTH minute of added time.
Rovers would endure some beatings (5-0 by Wolves in the FA Cup) that proved near fatal including 5-2 at Leeds United and 6-0 against Ipswich.
Though a safety margin of six points was achieved to make the table appear comfortable, with 2 wins in the final 26 games, Rovers knew that, in the end, it was anything but.
SEE players of this era, including:
Neil Sullivan
James O’Connor
John Oster
Billy Sharp
James Husband
Sam Hird
AND MANY MORE line up for one last time in the red and white of Doncaster Rovers when Copps XI takes on Louis Tomlinson’s XI at the Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday 19th April 2015 (4pm).
Don’t forget our fantastic Season Ticket SAVING OFFER that we announced today either.
To buy your tickets, CALL 01302 762 576 or CLICK BELOW
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