Leeds legend Cooper dies aged 77

LEEDS defender Terry Cooper, part of the 1969 title-winning team and winner of 20 England caps, has died at the age of 77, the club have announced.

‘Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of Terry Cooper,’ said a statement released by the club last night. ‘Our thoughts are with Terry’s family and friends at this difficult time.’

The left-back, who drew praise from Pele at the 1970 World Cup, where his marauding runs into attack were a forerunner of the modern full-back role, also scored the only goal of the 1968 League Cup final, which kicked-started the Don Revie glory years at Leeds. He was then key member of the 1968-69 titlewinning team and also won the UEFA Fairs’ Cup twice.

Revie cited Cooper’s greatest match as the 1971 Fairs’ Cup final against Juventus, with his forward runs crucial in disrupting the Italian giants’ game plan, with Leeds winning on away goals.

But a bad leg fracture in 1972 robbed Cooper of two years of his career. At just 27, his athleticism was diminished and he moved on to Middlesbrough in 1975. He managed at Bristol City and Bristol Rovers, Exeter City and Birmingham City.

Cooper’s death marks a tragic 15 months for Leeds and their 1970s legends with Norman Hunter, Trevor Cherry, Jack Charlton and Peter Lorimer having passed away.