Family at home, and at Doncaster Rovers, holds key to James Coppinger's future

James Coppinger: Contract at Doncaster is up at end of his 14th year with the club. (Picture: Marie Caley)James Coppinger: Contract at Doncaster is up at end of his 14th year with the club. (Picture: Marie Caley)
James Coppinger: Contract at Doncaster is up at end of his 14th year with the club. (Picture: Marie Caley)
JAMES COPPINGER admits that he will put family first when he makes the fateful decision on his future involvement in the game.

The ever-green Doncaster Rovers veteran, in his 14th season with the club, reached another playing milestone on Saturday when he made his 550th appearance in the club’s colours in the 1-1 derby draw with Rotherham United.

When he does finally call time on his playing career, a move into the coaching realm has been mooted by some, although Coppinger is circumspect in that regard.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coppinger, whose current contract ends in June, said: “Family for me is a big part of my life. I would not be stopping playing and going into a job where I would be working from seven to seven and I think managing and coaching means you have to be prepared to put the hours in if you want to be the best.”

Doncaster's James Coppinger in action last season. (Picture: Chris Etchells)Doncaster's James Coppinger in action last season. (Picture: Chris Etchells)
Doncaster's James Coppinger in action last season. (Picture: Chris Etchells)

Coppinger’s longevity is such that he actually played in the previous Keepmoat meeting between Rovers and the Millers just over a decade earlier in January 2007.

He may turn 37 in January, but the club legend admits he has entertained thoughts of reaching more appearance milestones.

Rovers’ all-time leading appearance maker has also hinted that the drive and competitive edge of his team-mates is likely to be a significant factor in his decision whether to play beyond this season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I would love to get to 600 and 700. But I take it a season at the time,” said Coppinger.

Doncaster's James Coppinger in action last season. (Picture: Chris Etchells)Doncaster's James Coppinger in action last season. (Picture: Chris Etchells)
Doncaster's James Coppinger in action last season. (Picture: Chris Etchells)

“It is difficult to make that decision (to carry on). It is not just me; I have a young family and travel in from Middlesbrough every day. It does take its toll, not physically, but mentally more than anything.

“But I love the club and doing what I do and that is why I have played for as long as I have.”

“Hopefully, I can continue and keep enjoying it. The lads play a big part as we have such a good group with the banter and craic.

“They want to do well and are a good, professional bunch who want to work hard for each other. I think if I did not have that, I would struggle.”

News you can trust since 1754
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice