Davie Cooper
Scottish winger who dazzled for Rangers and Scotland.
David Cooper (25 February 1956 – 23 March 1995) was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a winger. Born in Hamilton, he played for Clydebank, Rangers, Motherwell, and the Scotland national team, earning 22 caps and scoring 6 goals. He represented Scotland at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
- Role
- Winger
- Affiliation
- Rangers FC (1977–1989)
- Status
- Deceased (23 March 1995)
- Key Achievement
- Scottish Premier Division Winner (1977–78, 1986–87, 1988–89)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Cooper began his professional career with Clydebank in 1974, helping the club achieve successive league promotions in 1975–76 and 1976–77. He signed for Rangers in June 1977 for a fee of £100,000, playing 540 games and winning the Scottish Premier Division in 1977–78, 1986–87, and 1988–89. In August 1989, he moved to Motherwell for £50,000, playing over 150 times and winning the 1991 Scottish Cup. He later returned to Clydebank as a player/assistant coach. Cooper died on 23 March 1995 at age 39 after suffering a subarachnoid haemorrhage while filming a youth coaching programme.
In Their Own Story
After joining Rangers at age 21, Cooper became a central figure for over a decade. He was part of the squad that secured league titles in 1977–78, 1986–87, and 1988–89. His international career saw him represent Scotland from 1979 to 1990, earning 22 caps and scoring six goals. A highlight of his national service was the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where he made two appearances. In August 1989, Tommy McLean signed Cooper for Motherwell for £50,000. He played over 150 times for the club, contributing to their 1991 Scottish Cup Final victory against Dundee United. His later career saw him return to Clydebank as a player and assistant coach.
Reader's Guide
Cooper is remembered as one of Scottish football's greatest talents and is an inductee of the Scottish Football Hall of Fame. His career highlights include winning three Scottish Premier Division titles with Rangers and the Scottish Cup with Motherwell. He scored two hat-tricks for Clydebank: his first at Alloa Athletic in the 1975–76 season, and another against Arbroath in an 8–1 win on 3 January 1977.
Did You Know?
- Cooper worked as an apprentice printer for the owners of Hamilton Avondale before turning professional.
- He was a Rangers supporter in his youth and regularly attended matches at Ibrox with his father.
- Cooper made his senior debut for Clydebank against Airdrieonians in the Scottish League Cup on 10 August 1974.
- He was an ever-present for Clydebank in the 1975–76 season, playing all 49 games and scoring 22 goals.
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