James Coppinger responds to concerns that Doncaster Rovers fans will miss his final game

Despite the best attempts of his teammates and fans to persuade him into ‘one more year’, Doncaster Rovers legend James Coppinger gave no hint of a change of heart when he appeared on iFollow last week.
James CoppingerJames Coppinger
James Coppinger

The 40-year-old is entering the final few months of his 17th and final season at Rovers and it is becoming increasing unlikely that fans will be back in grounds in time to give him the send-off they hoped.

Those concerns from supporters were put to Coppinger by lead commentator Robbie Andrews ahead of last Tuesday’s victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Keepmoat Stadium.

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And while Coppinger expressed his disappointment at the current situation, he also provided hope that supporters WILL eventually get the chance to say a proper goodbye.

"It's disappointing more than anything,” said Coppinger.

“Being at a club 17 years, sharing a lot of special moments and to not have fans in this season has been [...], yeah, words can't really describe it.

“I try not to think too much about it.

“My dad's supported me my whole career and he hasn't been able to come and see me this season, and my kids, my wife and the fans that have been so good to me throughout my time at Doncaster during the ups and downs.

“So it's disappointing that nobody is here and I'm constantly thinking 'please, please'...but the longer it goes the less likely it looks that fans are going to be allowed back in.

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“From my perspective it'd be really good to speak to the club and try and arrange or do something which would allow me to come back in some capacity to say goodbye and to almost have a final farewell.

“That would be unbelievable if it's something the club would be able to do, I'm not sure.”