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Colin Cooper
Colin Cooper
from Wikipedia

Colin Terence Cooper (born 28 February 1967) is an English football manager and former professional footballer.

Key Information

As a player, he was a defender who notably played in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough. He played over 500 league appearances combined for both clubs. He also played in the Football League for both Millwall and Sunderland. He was capped twice by England, having previously earned eight games at U21 level.

Following retirement, he moved into coaching and worked in the Middlesbrough academy, later progressing into the first team before taking charge on a temporary basis in 2009. He later moving to Bradford City as assistant manager and then in 2013 becoming manager of Hartlepool United. In 2016 he joined the coaching staff of the England U21 setup under former teammate Gareth Southgate.

Playing career

[edit]

He played as a centre back, but was equally useful at full-back. He spent the first seven years of his professional career contracted to Middlesbrough, making 188 league appearances and scoring six league goals in the process. During this time, he helped Middlesbrough through liquidation in 1986.[3]

In the summer of 1991, he was transferred to Division Two side Millwall for the sum of £300,000 spending two successful seasons at The Den.[4]

After impressing several big name clubs, he decided to move to Nottingham Forest in 1993 for £1,700,000. It was at Forest where Colin arguably played the best football of his career, his form earning him two England caps in 1995 against Sweden and Brazil.[5]

After experiencing the joys of two promotions and the heart-break of a relegation, "Super Coops" was re-purchased by his first club, Middlesbrough, in a £2,500,000 deal. Many people questioned the signing of the stalwart from Nottingham Forest, but Colin proved to many people that he was more than capable of playing Premier League football. He maintained a consistent level of play throughout the seven years that he spent with Middlesbrough, and could always be relied upon to do a job. He almost gave up the game in 2002 after his son, Finlay, died in an accident at the family home[6] just hours after their victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup.[7] In 2003–04, he spent some time on loan with Sunderland. Cooper was part of Middlesbrough's 2004 League Cup-winning team. Despite not making the squad for the final[8] he appeared in the earlier rounds.[9]

In 2005, Cooper was awarded a one-year contract extension, which saw him play at the age of 39. His final season with Middlesbrough, 2005–06, saw Boro reach the 2006 UEFA Cup Final. However, he made just one appearance all campaign, coming on as a late substitute on the last day of the season against Fulham.[10]

International career

[edit]

Cooper made his England international debut in a 3–3 draw against Sweden.[11] He gained two caps for the England national team and made eight caps for the Under-21 side where he finished runners-up with the U21s in the 1988 Tournoi Espoirs de Toulon tournament.

Managerial career

[edit]

After he retired from playing, in June 2006, Cooper was officially given a job with the Middlesbrough coaching staff, as the Reserve team coach.[12] Following Steve Round's departure from the club in December 2006, Cooper was promoted to a more active role with the first team.[13] Following the departure of Malcolm Crosby on 17 June 2009,[14] Cooper was promoted to assistant manager at Middlesbrough.[15] On 22 October 2009, following the departure of manager Gareth Southgate, Cooper was appointed caretaker manager at Middlesbrough.[16] However, he was only employed in this position for four days, as Gordon Strachan was announced as the new manager on 26 October.[17] Cooper's solitary match in charge was a 2–2 draw with Preston North End on 24 October 2009.[18] In May 2010, Cooper was relieved of all duties at Middlesbrough by Strachan.[19]

On 9 March 2011, Cooper was appointed as assistant to interim manager Peter Jackson at League Two side Bradford City.[20][21] Jackson was subsequently appointed full-time manager on 25 May 2011,[22] but he resigned on 25 August 2011,[23] resulting in Cooper taking over as caretaker manager.[24] winning his first game 4–2 against Barnet. Phil Parkinson was appointed as Jackson's permanent successor,[25] and on 8 September 2011, Cooper left Bradford to rejoin Middlesbrough and take up a coaching role with Middlesbrough's under-18 side.[26]

On 24 May 2013, he became manager at Football League Two side Hartlepool United, replacing John Hughes, who had been sacked the previous month.[27] He named fellow ex-Middlesbrough player Craig Hignett as his assistant manager.[27] After winning four out of five league games in October, Cooper won the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month Award.[28]

Cooper resigned as Hartlepool United manager on 4 October 2014, after a 3–0 home defeat by Carlisle United, which left the club at the bottom of the League Two table.[29]

In April 2016, Cooper joined Gareth Southgate's coaching staff with the England U21s.[30]

Media work

[edit]

Cooper was a regular guest on the ITV late night football review programme Soccer Night, which was hosted by Roger Tames. During this programme, three legendary figures, representing one of each of the North-East's top three clubs (Middlesbrough, Sunderland, and Newcastle United), come to the studio and discuss recent footballing events.

Personal life

[edit]

In 2006, Colin and his wife Julie, formed the charity the Finlay Cooper Fund, named after his son who died in a tragic accident in 2002, which raises money for children's causes.[31] In 2013, Colin and 12 others (which included Craig Hignett and Jeff Stelling) climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for charity;[32] the climb raised £100,000.[33]

Career statistics

[edit]

Playing career

[edit]

Statistics for league appearances only

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League
Division Apps Goals
Middlesbrough 1984–85 Division 2 0 0
1985–86 Division 2 11 0
1986–87 Division 3 46 0
1987–88 Division 2 43 2
1988–89 Division 1 35 2
1989–90 Division 2 21 2
1990–91 Division 2 32 0
Total 188 6
Millwall 1991–92 Division 2 36 2
1992–93 Division 1 41 4
Total 77 6
Nottingham Forest 1993–94 Division 1 37 7
1994–95 Premier League 35 1
1995–96 Premier League 37 5
1996–97 Premier League 36 2
1997–98 Division 1 35 5
Total 180 20
Middlesbrough 1998–99 Premier League 32 1
1999–2000 Premier League 26 0
2000–01 Premier League 27 1
2001–02 Premier League 18 2
2002–03 Premier League 20 0
2003–04 Premier League 19 0
2004–05 Premier League 15 0
2005–06 Premier League 1 0
Total 158 4
Sunderland (on loan) 2003–04 Division 1 3 0
Career total 606 36

Managerial career

[edit]
As of 4 October 2014[34]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D L Win %
Middlesbrough (caretaker) 20 October 2009 26 October 2009 2 1 1 0 050.0
Bradford City (caretaker) 25 August 2011 29 August 2011 1 1 0 0 100.0
Hartlepool United 24 May 2013 4 October 2014 65 19 14 32 029.2
Total 68 21 15 32 030.9

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Middlesbrough

Nottingham Forest

England U21s

  • Tournoi Espoirs de Toulon runner-up: 1988

Individual

Manager

[edit]

Individual

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Colin Terence Cooper (born 28 February 1967) is an English football manager and former professional footballer who played as a defender. Born in , , he made over 600 appearances in the Football League during a 22-year playing career. Cooper began at in 1984, making 188 league appearances before transferring to in 1991 for £300,000. After two seasons there (77 league appearances), he joined Nottingham Forest in 1993 for £1.7 million, where he won the title in 1994–95 and was named to the for three consecutive seasons (1992–93 to 1994–95, including Millwall time). He scored 20 goals in 180 league games for Forest. In 1998, Cooper returned to Middlesbrough for £2.5 million, becoming club captain and helping secure promotion to the via the play-offs that year. He added 158 league appearances (5 goals) before retiring in 2006 aged 39, including a brief loan to in 2004. With Middlesbrough, he won the in 1991–92 and was a 1997–98 Football League Cup runner-up. Internationally, Cooper earned two caps for in 1995, debuting in a 3–3 draw with . After retiring, he coached Middlesbrough's reserves and served as assistant manager there (2006–2010) and at City. He managed Hartlepool United from 2013 to 2015, earning League Two Manager of the Month in October 2013. As of 2025, he is lead coach at i2i International Soccer Academy and a football consultant with Astra Partners.

Club career

First spell at Middlesbrough (1984–1991)

Colin Terence Cooper was born on 28 February 1967 in , , , into a working-class family in a region where football held deep cultural significance, fostering his early passion for the sport through influences and family encouragement. Growing up in the North East mining communities, Cooper developed his skills playing for local youth teams, including Boys, before catching the eye of professional scouts. Cooper joined as a on the in July 1984, at the age of 17, signing his first professional contract shortly thereafter amid the club's efforts to rebuild following near-liquidation earlier that year. He made his senior debut on 8 March 1986, aged 19, as a substitute in a 2–1 league defeat away to , marking the beginning of his integration into the first-team squad under manager . Over the subsequent seasons, Cooper established himself as a reliable left-sided defender, known for his tenacity, overlapping runs, and defensive solidity, often operating as a left-back in a back four. During the 1986–87 season in Division Four, Cooper became a key fixture in 's defense, contributing to their promotion as runners-up with 46 league appearances and helping maintain a robust backline that conceded just 35 goals in the campaign. His performances were instrumental in the team's unbeaten run of 13 matches to close the season, culminating in a goalless draw at Athletic that confirmed promotion to Division Three, defying expectations given the squad's youth and inexperience. In the 1987–88 Division Two campaign, Cooper featured in 43 league games, scoring twice, as Middlesbrough mounted a strong promotion challenge but ultimately finished fourth, missing out on automatic promotion by a narrow margin. Cooper's form continued in 1988–89, where he played 35 league matches and netted twice during Middlesbrough's brief stint in Division One before relegation, before dropping to 21 appearances in the relegation-threatened 1989–90 season, still managing two goals. The 1990–91 season proved turbulent, with 32 league outings and one goal, as the club suffered relegation back to Division Three after finishing 22nd in Division Two, exacerbated by ongoing financial instability that forced the sale of key assets. Over his first spell at Middlesbrough from 1984 to 1991, Cooper made 188 league appearances and scored 6 goals, becoming one of the few constants through the club's lower-league fluctuations and financial woes. In July 1991, amid 's deepening , Cooper was transferred to for a fee of £300,000, providing the club with much-needed funds during a period of administration threats and player sales to stabilize operations.

Millwall (1991–1993)

Cooper transferred to on 25 July 1991, joining from for a fee of £300,000 to reunite with his former manager . He was initially signed as a squad player but soon became a regular in the defense during 's challenging 1991–92 First Division campaign. In the 1991–92 season, Cooper made 35 league appearances and scored 2 goals as Millwall battled relegation, ultimately finishing 20th in the top flight and securing survival by two points. His reliable performances provided stability in a struggling backline, contributing to key results against stronger opponents like and . The following year, 1992–93, saw Millwall in the newly formed First Division (second tier), where Cooper featured in 39 league matches, netting 1 goal, as the team finished 7th in a solid mid-table position. Throughout his tenure, Cooper's tactical discipline and no-nonsense defending were vital, particularly in partnerships with fellow defenders such as Keith Stevens and Alan McLeary, alongside influential teammates like Denis Wise in midfield. Over two seasons, he amassed 74 league appearances and 3 goals for . His form attracted attention amid the club's financial difficulties, leading to a £1.7 million move to Nottingham Forest on 21 June 1993.

Nottingham Forest (1993–1998)

Colin Cooper joined Nottingham Forest from Millwall on 21 June 1993 for a transfer fee of £1.7 million, signed by manager Frank Clark to bolster the defense following the club's relegation from the Premier League the previous season. He made his debut on 15 August 1993 in a 1-1 draw away at Southend United and quickly integrated into the backline, often partnering with experienced left-back Stuart Pearce as a versatile defender capable of playing at left-back or in central defense. During his first season, Cooper was a key figure in Forest's promotion campaign, appearing in 46 league matches and contributing 4 goals as the team finished second in the First Division to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League. His goal-scoring prowess from set pieces, including 9 goals across all competitions that year, highlighted his attacking threat from defense and helped establish a solid partnership that anchored the team's run to the top flight. In the 1994–95 season, Cooper played 35 league games and scored 3 goals, playing a pivotal role in 's impressive third-place finish, which qualified them for the UEFA Cup—their highest league position since relegation in 1993. His contributions included important goals that aided the team's survival and push for European football, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and combative defender. Over the subsequent seasons, Cooper maintained consistent starts despite the team's fluctuations: Forest reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 1995–96 before suffering relegation in 1996–97, after which he assumed a role in the dressing room, briefly captaining the side following Stuart Pearce's departure. In 1997–98, he featured regularly in the First Division promotion push, helping Forest win the title and return to the as champions. Throughout his tenure, Cooper evolved from primarily a left-back to a central defender, leveraging his toughness and aerial ability to become a cornerstone of the backline. In total, Cooper made 213 appearances and scored 23 goals for across all competitions during his five-year spell, earning international recognition with caps in 1995 while at the club. His departure came in the summer of 1998, when he transferred to boyhood club for £2.5 million.

Second spell at Middlesbrough (1998–2006)

Cooper returned to on 22 August 1998, signing from Nottingham Forest for a transfer fee of £2.5 million under manager . As a boyhood fan rejoining his original club, he was quickly appointed captain, providing experienced leadership in the defence. His return symbolized stability during a period of transition, with Cooper forming a solid partnership alongside defenders like . From 1998 to 2001, Cooper played a pivotal role in consolidating Middlesbrough's position in the , featuring regularly in mid-table campaigns that included ninth place in 1998–99 and 12th in 1999–2000. He made 32 league appearances in his debut season back, scoring once, and contributed to the team's defensive resilience with 37 clean sheets across his tenure at the club. Under Robson and later , his captaincy helped foster team unity, culminating in Middlesbrough's first major trophy, the 2004 , where his mentorship supported the squad's run to victory against Wanderers. By the 2003–04 season, Cooper had made around 25 appearances across competitions while the team finished 11th in the . His role diminished from 2004 onward due to injuries and age, with only 16 league appearances in 2004–05 and a single outing in 2005–06, shifting focus to guiding younger players like and . Despite the reduced playing time, he remained a key figure in the dressing room during Middlesbrough's final run. Over his second spell, Cooper amassed 158 league appearances and 5 goals, contributing to a career total exceeding 400 games for the club that underscored his enduring loyalty. Cooper announced his retirement in May 2006 at the age of 39, ending a distinguished second stint that solidified his status as a Middlesbrough legend.

Sunderland loan (2004)

In March 2004, at the age of 37, Colin Cooper joined on loan from to regain match fitness and gain regular playing time after being limited to a bench role at his parent club due to ongoing injury recovery. The move came amid 's strong promotion push in the First Division under manager , with the club seeking experienced defensive reinforcements. Cooper made three substitute appearances in the league for during the loan, contributing 0 goals but providing defensive solidity and leadership to the backline in a title-winning campaign. His brief involvement helped bolster the team's resilience as they secured the First Division championship with 94 points, earning automatic promotion to the . The loan concluded at the end of March 2004, after which Cooper returned to , having used the stint to rebuild his confidence and form ahead of the 2004 final.

International career

Under-21 career

Cooper earned eight caps for the under-21 national team, primarily featuring as a central defender between 1988 and 1989. His youth international experience highlighted his solid defensive contributions, often anchoring the backline in competitive fixtures under coach . A key highlight was 's participation in the 1988 Tournoi Espoirs de , where Cooper played a pivotal role in the squad that reached the final and finished as runners-up. The team advanced through group stage victories, including a 2-1 win over on 5 June, a 1-0 triumph against the USSR on 7 June (with scoring the decisive goal), and a 1-0 defeat of on 9 June. In the final on 12 June, lost 4-2 to hosts despite goals from Michael Thomas, with Cooper substituted late in the match due to an ankle injury requiring stitches; the tournament showcased emerging talents like and alongside Cooper's defensive stability. Cooper's final under-21 appearance came in during a friendly international, marking the end of his youth career as he continued to develop at club level with , which facilitated his pathway toward senior international opportunities later in the decade.

Senior career

Cooper earned his first senior international call-up to the squad under manager in 1995, rewarded for his strong performances as a centre-back for Forest during their return to the in the 1994–95 season. His debut came on 8 June 1995 in a 3–3 draw against at during the , where he started in central defence alongside . Three days later, on 11 June 1995, Cooper made his second and final appearance for , starting again in a 1–3 defeat to Brazil at in the third-place playoff, partnering at the back. Despite accumulating over 600 club appearances across his professional career, primarily with and Nottingham Forest, Cooper received no further senior caps after these two outings, both of which were friendlies with no goals scored.

Post-playing career

Managerial career

Cooper's first experience as a came at in October 2009, following the sacking of . He took charge for one match, a 2–2 draw against Preston North End on 24 October, before was appointed as permanent manager. This resulted in a 0% win percentage from his solitary game in charge. In August 2011, Cooper served as at City after Peter Jackson's resignation. Over two matches, he secured one victory—a 4–2 league win over Barnet on 27 August—and a 0–0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup on 30 August, which won on penalties. These results provided brief stability during the transition to Phil Parkinson's appointment. Cooper's sole head managerial role was at , where he was appointed on 24 May 2013, replacing John Hughes. He named former teammate as his assistant and guided the team through the 2013–14 and early 2014–15 seasons in League Two. After a strong October 2013, with four wins from five league games, Cooper earned the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month award. However, a poor run of form followed, culminating in his resignation on 4 October 2014 after a 3–0 home defeat to Carlisle United, with bottom of the table. His overall record at was 19 wins, 14 draws, and 32 losses in 65 matches, yielding a 29.2% win rate. Across his managerial spells, Cooper oversaw 68 games, recording 20 wins, 16 draws, and 32 losses for a 29.4% win rate.

Coaching career

In April 2016, Colin Cooper joined the Football Association as a national specialist coach within the England men's development teams, where he focused on defensive organization and training for the Under-21 squad under head coach Gareth Southgate. He continued in the role as assistant manager through the transition to Aidy Boothroyd, contributing to 30 matches across two seasons before departing in September 2018. Drawing from his extensive playing background as a centre-back with 606 club appearances, Cooper emphasized tactical discipline and positional awareness in mentoring emerging defenders during this period. Following a period in other coaching capacities, Cooper returned to hands-on youth development in 2023 as lead coach at the i2i International Soccer Academy, a program partnered with . As a Pro Licence holder with over a decade of coaching experience, he specializes in player development, particularly guiding young defenders through intensive sessions on defensive drills, positioning, and game intelligence to prepare them for professional pathways. In 2024, Cooper expanded his influence into advisory work as senior football consultant for Astra Partners, a sports agency division focused on talent representation. In this role, he provides strategic guidance on contract negotiations, career progression, and performance optimization, supporting clients such as young centre-back Taylor Dodd in navigating transitions to professional or collegiate levels. His consultancy leverages insights from a career spanning elite club and international youth environments to aid in holistic player mentoring.

Media work

Following his from playing in 2004, Colin Cooper transitioned into media roles, focusing on punditry and commentary for various broadcasters. He became a regular on ITV's regional late-night football review programme Soccer Night, starting around 2006, where he provided analysis of EFL and matches alongside hosts like Roger Tames, often delivering detailed tactical breakdowns of games involving clubs. In the and , Cooper made guest appearances as a pundit and co-commentator on and , particularly after his managerial stint at Hartlepool United ended in 2014, where he offered insights on lower-league management and team strategies. Notable examples include punditry for a match on in 2016 and co-commentary for multiple and playoff fixtures on both and in 2023, such as Bolton Wanderers vs. . Cooper has also contributed to Middlesbrough FC's official media output through interviews on the club's platforms, including a 2019 "Boro Icons" feature where he reflected on his playing career and club legacy, though he has held no full-time media role with the club as of 2025. His commentary often draws briefly on experiences from his playing days, such as Forest's promotions, to inform discussions on defensive tactics and team motivation.

Personal life

Family

Colin Cooper is married to Julie, whom he met during his early career at Middlesbrough when she worked in the club's office. The couple has three daughters: Annie, born during Cooper's time at ; and Molly and Daisy, born after the family relocated to for his stint at . Their , Finlay, tragically died in 2002 at the age of two after choking on a screw that had fallen from a toy chair. Cooper's family provided crucial support throughout his career transitions, accompanying him on relocations from London to Nottingham and later back to the north-east. The family resides in Tadcaster, Yorkshire.

Charity work

Following the tragic death of his son Finlay in 2002, Colin Cooper co-founded the Finlay Cooper Fund in 2006 with his wife Julie to support children's charities across Teesside. The fund focused on aiding vulnerable young people, including those with disabilities and life-limiting conditions, through grants for equipment, facilities, and community programs. It had raised over £100,000 by 2013, enabling donations to organizations such as Zoe's Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough and local respite services for families. In 2013, Cooper participated in a high-profile charity expedition to climb alongside Middlesbrough legends including and broadcaster . The seven-day trek, undertaken as a personal challenge to honor his son, raised £100,000 specifically for the Finlay Cooper Fund, which was used to support pediatric care initiatives in the region. The fund's efforts expanded to include partnerships with local groups like and MAIN (a disability support organization), funding items such as adaptive caravans for disadvantaged families and autism support programs. Over its 12-year operation, it amassed more than £700,000, distributing grants to over 50 causes before closing in 2019 with a final £100,000 donation to MAIN. Post-closure, the fund's legacy persisted through ongoing donations, including a five-figure grant to Daisy Chain, an autism charity in Eaglescliffe, in 2021, and the naming of a new community center for disabled children as the Finlay Cooper Centre in 2022. Cooper has continued for Middlesbrough-area youth programs, emphasizing accessible play spaces and family support services.

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Colin Cooper's club career spanned from 1984 to 2006, during which he made 723 appearances and scored 42 goals across all competitions. The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by club and competition, grouped by his spells at each team. Figures show starting appearances (with substitute appearances in parentheses where applicable):
Club SpellPeriodLeague (Apps/Goals) (Apps/Goals) (Apps/Goals)Other Competitions (Apps/Goals)Total (Apps/Goals)
(first)1984–1991183 (5)/613/018/019 (1)/2233/8
1991–199377/62/06/02/087/6
Nottingham Forest1993–1998179 (1)/2012/114/27/0212/23
(second)1998–2006140 (19)/55/014 (1)/03/0162/5
20040 (3)/00/00/00/03/0
Career Total1984–2006579 (28)/3732/152/231/2723/42
Note: The club and competition totals above exclude substitute appearances for consistency. The overall career total includes all substitute appearances. Other competitions include playoffs, European ties, and similar.

Managerial record

Colin Cooper served as for and Bradford City, and as full-time manager for Hartlepool United. His overall managerial record across these spells totals 68 games, with 20 wins, 16 draws, and 32 losses, yielding a win percentage of 29.41% and aggregate goals of 77 for and 94 against.
ClubTenureGamesWinsDrawsLossesWin %Goals For–Against
Oct 200910100.00%2–2
Bradford CityAug–Sep 2011211050.00%5–3
Hartlepool UnitedMay 2013–Oct 20146519143229.23%70–89
Total6820163229.41%77–94

Honours

  • Football League Third Division: Runners-up (1986–87)
  • Full Members' Cup: Runners-up (1989–90)
  • Football League Second Division: Promotion (1987–88)
  • Football League Cup: Winners (2003–04)

Nottingham Forest

  • Football League First Division: Play-off winners (1993–94)

England U21

  • Toulon Tournament: Runners-up (1988)

Individual

  • PFA Team of the Year: 1992–93 (First Division, ), 1993–94 (First Division, Nottingham Forest), 1997–98 (First Division, Nottingham Forest) Cooper achieved the milestone of over 400 appearances for .

As a manager

During his time as manager of United in the 2013–14 season, Colin Cooper received the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month award for October 2013, after guiding the team to four wins in five league matches. No team honours were achieved under his management at United or during his brief caretaker spell at in 2009.

References

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