In the beginning...
In countdown to James Coppinger’s Legends game at Keepmoat Stadium on April 19th, we are reviewing each season played in the red and white hoops by the fans favourite.2004/05
A summer signing from Exeter City for £30,000, James Coppinger had to wait patiently before making his first appearance in a Doncaster shirt.
The recently crowned Division 3 Champions had won their opening League One fixture against Blackpool 2-0 at Belle Vue, before a 4-3 defeat at Brentford.
Only after the seven goal thriller at Griffin Park would the recent acquisition from St James’ Park get his chance and it came in a Yorkshire derby against Bradford City at Valley Parade in mid-August 2004.
The 23 year old was a regular in the squad but was frequently in and out of the side under then boss Dave Penney while opposite winger Michael McIndoe attracted a lot of the limelight.
Coppinger, somewhat incredibly, ended the season goalless but could point to some highlights with a League Cup defeat of Ipswich Town and a 4-0 humbling of fierce rivals Barnsley.
An FA Cup defeat to the Grecians – who would go on to face Manchester United – left a sour taste, as did defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Sean O’Driscoll’s Bournemouth (5-0) as Rovers finished (a respectable) five points off the play-offs.
Players from this era including:
Tim Ryan
Paul Green
Ricky Ravenhill
Leo Fortune-West
Andy Warrington
Greg Blundell
Mark Albrighton
Steve Foster
Will all be featuring in Copps’ ‘Legends’ game against a Louis Tomlinson XI at Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday 19th April 2015 (4pm).
Call 01302 762576 or CLICK HERE to secure your tickets.