Steve Coppell

Lore & Background

Coppell attended Quarry Bank High School in south Liverpool. He chose to join Tranmere Rovers to study for a degree in economic history at the University of Liverpool. He made his Manchester United debut as a substitute in a 4–0 win over Cardiff City on 1 March 1975. He played in the 1976 FA Cup Final loss to Southampton and the 1977 FA Cup Final win over Liverpool. He earned 42 caps and scored 7 goals for England. His playing career ended in October 1983 at age 28 due to a knee injury suffered in a World Cup qualifier against Hungary. He later discovered his ACL had only been connected at one end since the tackle and has since had it removed.

Reader's Guide

Coppell managed Crystal Palace (first spell 1984–1993), taking them to the top flight via play-offs in 1989, the FA Cup final in 1990, and a third-place league finish in 1991. He resigned in May 1993 after relegation. He returned to Palace as Director of Football in June 1995. He managed Manchester City for 33 days in 1996, quitting after six games. He returned to Palace as Chief Scout in 1997 and was promoted again. He also managed Reading, Bristol City, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Brentford. He is credited with discovering Ian Wright.

Did You Know?

• Coppell broke the record for most consecutive appearances for an outfield Manchester United player – 207 from 1977 to 1981 – which still stands.
• He scored the quickest recorded goal at under-18 level in a cup final against Notts County, timed at 12 seconds.
• He was one of the youngest men to manage a Football League club, appointed at age 28 years and 10 months.