Colin Terence Cooper (born 28 February 1967 in Durham, England) is a former English footballer, who spent most of his career at Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest.

[edit] Playing career

He played as a centre back, but was equally useful at full-back. He spent the first seven years of his professional career contracted to Middlesbrough, making 188 league appearances and scoring six league goals in the process. During this time, he helped Middlesbrough through liquidation in 1986.

In the summer of 1991, he was transferred to Division Two side (renamed Division One and then the Football League Championship) Millwall for the sum of £300,000 spending two successful seasons at The Den.

After impressing several big name clubs, he decided to move to Nottingham Forest in 1993 for £1,700,000. It was at Forest where Colin arguably played the best football of his career. His form even earned him two England caps in 1995.

After experiencing the joys of two promotions and the heart-break of a relegation, "Super Coops" was re-purchased by his first club, Middlesbrough, in a £2,500,000 deal. Many people questioned the signing of the stalwart from Nottingham Forest, but Colin proved to many people that he was more than capable of playing Premier League football. He maintained a consistent level of play throughout the seven years that he spent with Middlesbrough, and could always be relied upon to do a job. He almost gave up the game in 2001 after his son, Finlay, died in an accident at the family home. In 2003-04, he spent some time on loan with Sunderland.

In 2005, Colin was awarded a one-year contract extension, which saw him play at the age of 39.

[edit] Coaching

In June 2006, Colin was officially given a job with the Middlesbrough coaching staff, as the Reserve team coach, after he retired from playing. Following Steve Round's departure from the club in December 2006, Cooper was promoted to a more active role with the First team.

Following the departure of Malcolm Crosby on 17 June 2009, Cooper was promoted to Assistant Manager at Middlesbrough.

On 22 October 2009, following the departure of manager Gareth Southgate, Cooper was appointed Caretaker Manager at Middlesbrough. This position lasted just four days as Gordon Strachan was announced as the new Manager on 26 October.

[edit] Media Work

Colin has recently started regularly appearing on the late night football review programme Soccer Night, which is hosted by Roger Tames. During this programme, three legendary figures, representing one of each of the North-East's top three clubs (Middlesbrough, Sunderland, and Newcastle United), come to the studio and discuss recent footballing events.

[edit] Statistics

Statistics for league appearances only

[edit] Honours

• Zenith Data Systems Cup: Runner up 1989/90 with Middlesbrough

[edit] External links

• Finlay Cooper Fund. Raising Money for local Children's Charities