Jimmy Cooper

Few players have been granted free transfers successively by two Fourth Division clubs only to step up into the First Division, but Jimmy Cooper was an exception. The son of a talented (Kneller Hall) musician, Jimmy sprang to prominence at Helsby Grammar School, captaining the Cheshire U–16 side; after his ‘O’ levels, he went into insurance and signed part-time with Chester. At 18, his father died and he elected to turn full-time professional. One of his earliest games was at Haig Avenue in December 1959 when he scored Chester’s consolation goal. Joining Southport for 1962–63, he shared the left-wing berth with ex-International Bill Perry but his undoubted ability was overshadowed by inconsistency. Then, in February 1964, having joined Blackpool on a trial and been switched to centre-forward, he played 4 Division 1 games until laid low by bronchitis. While part-time at Mansfield (and working as an insurance agent) he broke a toe which ultimately required amputation. Despite an attempted comeback with Crewe, it signalled the end of his career. Later on he travelled widely in Asia and Africa in connection with his new job in agricultural finance, but maintained a base in London.

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