Rovers boss praises 400 appearance man Coppinger, and says there could be more to come.
Rovers manager Paul Dickov paid tribute to James Coppinger ahead of his 400th appearance in all competitions for Doncaster Rovers: “It’s something that is becoming fewer and fewer all the time. All the credit has to go to James for that.”
Dickov, who himself made over 400 appearances as a player during his 21 year career, arrived as manager in May 2013 and praised the former Exeter City man’s attitude, “Since the first time we came in here, he’s been a top professional and not just on the pitch but how he handles himself off the pitch, how he trains, he’s a massive example for the younger players at the club,” he said.
“He’s as fit as he’s ever been and it wouldn’t surprise me if he made many more appearances.”
‘Copps’ has earned legendary status throughout his ten year stint at the Rovers helping the club to a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win and two promotions from League 1 – the first via the play-offs and the second courtesy of his injury time winner against Brentford nearly a year ago.
Dickov, who is James’ fifth manager at the club, continued, “He’s a very humble guy and he’s not a shouter or a baller but will have his say in team meetings and he speaks to individuals and if he thinks something is wrong then he’ll come and see me,” he said.
“You want that and you want people to set good examples for everybody. At 33 he’s one of the fittest at the club, one of the best pros at the club and one of the best players at the club.”