Terence Cooper (12 July 1944 – 31 July 2021) was an English football player and manager. He was a left back in the Leeds United team of the 1960s and 1970s, and featured for England at the 1970 Mexico World Cup. He later went on to manage both of Bristol's football teams, Birmingham City and was twice manager of Exeter City.
Early career
Cooper was born in Brotherton, West Riding of Yorkshire.
Initially a left winger, Cooper was converted to a defensive role by Leeds boss Don Revie on signing at the age of 17. He made gradual progress in the first team over the next six years until Revie decided to make him the permanent No. 3 in 1966.
Cooper settled in thereafter earning a reputation as a full back of innovation, showing that the right levels of fitness, skill and an ability to cross the ball meant he could perform a devastating overlap down the left flank to support much-feared winger Eddie Gray. This was so successful it became a trademark of Leeds's play. He could also 'go inside', joining attacks centrally and scoring some important goals.
1960s
In 1968, Leeds won the League Cup against Arsenal at Wembley. A poor and occasionally high-tempered match was settled by Cooper's volley after a corner had been half-cleared, although Arsenal claimed their goalkeeper had been fouled by central defender Jack Charlton.
Cooper's Leeds career was effectively over by the time he regained his fitness.
Later career
After three years with Middlesbrough, playing more than 100 games, he moved on to Bristol City for two years, before being appointed as player-manager of rivals Bristol Rovers.
Individual
- Rothmans Golden Boots Awards: 1970, 1971, 1972
Manager
Bristol City
- Football League Fourth Division promotion: 1983–84
Exeter City
- Football League Fourth Division: 1989–90