Farewell Davie
| Davie's Record | League | SCup | LeaCup | Euro | Apps | Gls | Apps | Gls | Apps | Gls | Apps | Gls | 1989/90 | 31 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1990/91 | 34 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1991/92 | 39 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1992/93 | 43 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1993/93 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Total | 149 | 16 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||||||||||||||
The table aboveshows the stats that the record books will always show. In a way, they are almost irrelevant. Davie Cooper's contribution to the club goes way beyond facts and figures.
He arrived at the start of '89 season and immediately found a target tor his legendary crosses in the then newly acquired Nick Cusack, making the robust centre forward an overnight success.
Bobby Russell was already at the club and between them they showed us what football was all about. Many a game I watched in awe as Coop and 'the shimmie king' weaved their way upfield. Coop was the nucleus the rest of the team was built around and much of todays success was built on those foundations.
His many flirtations with authority meant many games where a fully fit Cooper was sitting on the sidelines watching others less gifted try to put on a show - what a pity that referees are such
'Little Hitlers' that Davie's off-the-cuff remarks were always taken to heart. At the beginning of his time here it took a while for fans to be convinced that his loyalty had also been transferred with him. But eventually he put the ball in the net against 'them'. On the other hand, motivation was in large supplies against the other Glasgow mob.
It should not be forgotten that the move from Rangers reserves to Motherwell was also noted by the international coach and a cap was to follow - another example or the Souness's great awareness of the talent around him.
Obviously now in the twilight of his playing days (didn't I say that five years ago ?) Coop is moving towards the coaching side of the game. If he manages to bring out his skills in one player then it would be worth seeing, but somehow I think that what Coop possessed, he was born with.
This season saw his appearances limited to two starts. The sight of Cooper on the bench heralded the start of a new era at Fir Park. Like a bird watching his young take their first few flights on their own, Davie realised it was time for him to leave the nest also.
It's apparent that things have not exactly got off to a flying start at Kilbowie but hopefully Coop can find his feet and continue to be an asset to the game.
I think this club owes Coop a very big debt indeed. He was the one man who kept things going amidst the mediocrity and I for one will be forever grateful and glad that I had the pleasure to see him perform.
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