James Coppinger is to be honoured with the prestigious Sir Tom Finney Award at the 2021 EFL Awards on Thursday evening.
The Sir Tom Finney Award is presented to a player who has had an outstanding career and contributed an exceptional amount to the EFL and football in general, something that Coppinger can certainly lay claim to doing.
The award recognises Coppinger’s talent, commitment, and model professionalism throughout his career.
Coppinger said: “It's been a huge part of my life, 17 years at one football club is a lifetime. Twenty-three years as a player, and to spend 17 years of that in one place, it means everything.
"To be at a Club like this and to have all the special moments and to share it with so many special players, managers, and fans, it's meant everything to me.”
A glittering career, with his name forever synonymous with Rovers, the 40-year old is preparing for what lies next.
He explained: "I've been preparing for this for a long time, when you get to 40 it is not a surprise that you have to retire. I have almost felt like you do people an injustice when you're feeling fit and you're performing to retire.
"I've got other things going on, I've been working with players and mentoring them on mental performance, a kicks franchise and kicks academy, which all excite me when I do retire.”
The EFL Awards take place on Thursday April 29 live on Sky Sports Football, when winners from across all three divisions will be recognised for their achievements, both on and off the pitch, including the announcement of the Sky Bet Player of the Season for the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two.
