Terry Cooper dead aged 77: Leeds pay tribute to ex-England international as he passes away
LEEDS have led the tributes to Terry Cooper after the former England international died at the age of 77.
The left-winger-turned-left-back starred for the Elland Road side during arguably their most successful era to date.
Cooper’s goal led Don Revie’s Leeds to their first-ever major trophy – the 1968 League Cup final victory over Arsenal.
And now the Yorkshire club have paid an emotional tribute to him following the news of his death.
A club statement read: “Leeds United is devastated to learn of the passing of Terry Cooper.
“Our thoughts are with Terry’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“Rest in Peace, Terry.”
Former Leeds ace Tony Dorigo added: “Oh no no no… the wonderful Terry Cooper has passed away.
“Honoured to finally get to meet the great man at the Centenary Celebrations a few years back.
“RIP TC. Love and prayers to his family, tough recent times for the #LUFC family. Another absolute legend gone.”
‘DEEPY SADDENED’
Exeter City – whom Cooper managed following his playing days – also paid their respects.
They tweeted: “Exeter City is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Cooper at the age of 77.
“Our thoughts are with Terry’s friends and family.”
Cooper spent 13 years in Leeds’ first-team squad between 1962 and 1975 – mostly under Revie.
In all, he played 351 times for Leeds, scoring 11 times – winning the First Division in 1968-69 fresh on the heels of the League Cup triumph a season earlier.
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Cooper later enjoyed spells at Middlesbrough, Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and Doncaster during his 22-year professional career – including 20 caps for England between 1969 and 1974.
After hanging up his boots, Cooper managed both Bristol clubs, Exeter and Birmingham, before retiring in 1995.
As a manager, he won the 1985-86 Football League Trophy with Bristol Rovers.