Bio:
Coppell was playing for Tranmere, studying for his degree and coaching the university team. But in 1975 his life changed when Manchester United made an offer of £60,000 for him. His prospective new club instantly offered to double his wage and Coppell signed. Making his Man Utd debut as a substitute in a 4–0 win over Cardiff City on 1 March 1975, as his new club stormed back to the First Division after a season in the Second. Coppell ended that season with ten games and one goal.
The following season, Coppell played 39 times and scored ten goals, one of which was at the Kop end of his boyhood club Liverpool’s Anfield ground. He also won honours for the England under-23 team. The exciting young Manchester United team put together by manager Tommy Docherty progressed in the First Division and reached the 1976 FA Cup Final, where they were strong favourites to beat Southampton, who were from the Second Division. But Southampton won the final 1–0.
In 1977, Manchester United fell short in the League but reached the FA Cup final again, where this time they played Liverpool, who were chasing a “treble” of First Division championship, FA Cup and European Cup. Liverpool had already won the title by the time the two sides met at Wembley, but it was Manchester United who performed on the day and won 2–1. Coppell was one of nine United players in the team who had lost in the final to Southampton the year before.
Factfile:
- Full Name: Stephen James Coppell
- Position: Winger
- Date of Birth: 09.07.1955
- Birthplace: Liverpool
- Nation: England
- Club Career: Manchester United
- Period: 1975-1983
- League Games, 322
- League Goals, 53
- Previous Club: Tranmere Rovers
- Transfer Fee: £60.000
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