Career
Born in Hetton-le-Hole, County Durham. Copeland was a winger. Ted played in the Wartime League for Newcastle United F.C.
Originally signed in 1939 as an amateur, he played games throughout the war alongside United legends Jackie Milburn and Albert Stubbins.
Copeland signed as a Professional on 20 August 1943 and received roughly £2 a month. He scored his first and second goals away to Gateshead on 18 December 1943, in the Football League North First Championship.
His third goal came on 5 February at Middlesbrough in a 2-1 loss in the Football League North/War Cup Qualifying. He appeared in 4 Tyne-Wear derby games.
Copeland played an overall 20 games as Newcastles number 7, replaced the next season by Jackie Milburn.
Signed by Fred Westgarth again for Hartlepool United F.C. on a free transfer in 1944-1945 for a second spell with the club, he played a total of 16 games scoring 3 goals. Two were scored in consecutive weeks, in wins versus York City F.C. and Darlington F.C. at Victoria Park, the latter away to Leeds United A.F.C. on 18 November. Ted played in Hartlepools first post-war time game on 31 August 1946, they wore the Blue and White striped shirts and black shorts.
Going on to draw with Barrow 1-1.
Copeland stayed on another two seasons for Pools until the 1947-1948 season appearing in a total of 81 games overall for Hartlepools scoring on 17 occasions, before moving to Spennymoor United. He was Hartlepools 7th highest war-time appearance maker and 10th highest goalscorer during these years.
Copelands photograph and pay packet are available to see in Newcastle United F.C."s Milburn Entrance on a Stadium Tour at Saint James" Park.