Doncaster Rovers' James Coppinger on saying sorry to Hull City boss Grant McCann

DONCASTER ROVERS stalwart James Coppinger told a white lie when he apologised to Hull City head coach and former Rovers chief Grant McCann on Saturday evening.
Hero: Doncaster Rovers' James Coppinger celebrates making it 3-3. Picture: PAHero: Doncaster Rovers' James Coppinger celebrates making it 3-3. Picture: PA
Hero: Doncaster Rovers' James Coppinger celebrates making it 3-3. Picture: PA

It came after his stunning free-kick in the 12th minute of stoppage time in a enthralling 3-3 League One draw at the Keepmoat Stadium when the 40-year-old provided another remarkable and beguiling moment in his long 17-year association with the club.

It remains to be seen how many more choice contributions arrive from Coppinger, set to hang up his boots this summer. But given his momentous time at Rovers, there still might be one or two more golden moments yet.

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After all, you can never safely predict anything surrounding Coppinger, as McCann already knows full well.

Coppinger, 40, who helped design Rovers' commemorative gold kit which they played in on Saturday, to recognise his outstanding yeoman service for the club, said: “I just spoke to him (McCann) down there (following the match). I said sorry - but I wasn’t sorry.

“He’s absolutely top man and I get on really well with him and respect him as a man and a manager and what he’s doing at Hull but football is football.

“Grant came in, took the captaincy off me and said I wouldn’t play as many minutes. I played 54 games that season (2018-19).

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“When he said that, and got me in his office, I said I’m not having that. I’m going to prove you wrong and offer more than what you think.”

The midfielder, who made his return from injury to make his first appearance of the New Year and first as a 40-year-old, added: “It’s the same with Darren (Moore - Rovers manager).

“Although I’ve not had the minutes and I’ve had this (calf) injury, I still want to keep pushing and pushing and try to play as many games and help the team as much as I can.

“I’ve said that it’s disappointing and frustrating that I’m not playing as many minutes because I genuinely feel really good.

“But I get that. I’m 40 and the manager has come in and wants to bring his own players in, he wants to do it his way, and I get that."

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