Career
He made more than 500 appearances in the Football League and was on the winning side in the 1978 FA Cup Final and the 1981 Union of European Football Associations Cup Final. Born in Brierley Hill, Staffordshire, Cooper started his professional career as an apprentice with Birmingham City. After playing 17 league matches for the club, in 1974 he moved to Ipswich Town, where he spent the majority of his career and represented the club more than 550 times in all competitions.
He was renowned amongst the fans at Portman Road for his ability to save penalties.
In 1979-1980 he saved 8 out of 10. He left the club in 1987, spending nearly two seasons at Leicester City.
On the March 1989 transfer deadline day Cooper joined Manchester City for £20,000, to serve as backup to Andy Dibble. Dibble suffered an injury in the very next match, which led Cooper to make his debut for the club on 27 March 1989, against Stoke City.
During his time at City he played in the famous "Maine Road massacre" which saw the Blues thrash Manchester United 5-1 and was later described by United manager Alex Ferguson as his lowest point in football.
Cooper finished his professional career, with whom he spent the 1990-1991 season. with Birmingham City.