Doncaster Rovers v Stalybridge Celtic: Rovers fans’ tribute to legend Coppinger

Rovers want supporters to clap Coppinger – who will make a club record 469th appearance today – in the 26th minute of their FA Cup tie with Stalybridge.

Len South (Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club), Martin O’Hara (Viking Supporters Co-operative) and Rob Johnson (Doncaster Rovers Supporters Group) will hand over a special golden boot to the winger before kick-off.

“It’s important that the fans are involved with presenting this award to James,” said Ryan Murrant, Rovers’ marketing and communications manager.

“To give 12 years service to the club and show such professionalism should be recognised and celebrated.

“He’s managed to outlast many players, managers and even a stadium, but not the fans who’ve paid to watch him home and away over the last 468 games.”

“We’ve had numerous requests from fans for the applause in the 26th minute and we can confirm that this will be happening and we’re looking forward to it.”

Rovers boss Darren Ferguson has centre-half pairing Rob Jones and Gary MacKenzie fit for today’s cup tie, but still hopes to sign a loan defender next week.

“There are one or two possibilities I can bring in,” Ferguson said.

“I can only obviously bring in one more loan for a matchday squad so I’ve got to be absolutely certain to what I need to bring in.

“One player in particular, his club, I’ve spoken to the manager there and probably felt better we just get the cup tie out of the way and take it from there.

“It’s whether I go for the real flexibility with a defender that can play anywhere in the back four or five, which is something I am thinking about. Or do you go for the real dominant centre-half that we may need?”