Kevin Cooper came to Wolves in a £1,000,000 deal from Wimbledon, when they were still a London club. Signed by Dave Jones on or around transfer deadline day he left an unusual early impression. One of the first visitors to Molineux after his signing were Wimbledon, and after the game Kevin was mobbed by the Wimbledon fans in the lower Steve Bull stand as they acclaimed their Player of the Year!
He also came to be recommended to the DDCWWFCSC by an unusual route too. Many years ago we represented Wolves in the Anglo Welsh Supporters League playing against other team’s supporters the morning of the Wolves match. Some firm friendships were formed during the 2 – 3 years that we played and it was via Hodgy from the Belper branch of Derby County supporters that the idea to contact Kevin came from.
Kevin settled in quickly with the members, Light’ouse was trying to rent his Florida villa, and he mingled comfortably with young and old alike, and was happy to talk all things football.
Being local to the Belper area Kevin and his Dad were known to Hodgy as being very friendly and approachable having spoken to both on several occasions, and during one conversation with Coxy, Kevin came up and Hodgy said what a good bloke he is. So Coxy wrote the letter and Kevin accepted.
He came along to the Dinner held in a marquee at the Broomhall Hotel with his wife, then at Christmas he was happy to come along on a Sunday afternoon to a special kids afternoon where the younger members could meet a real footballer, and play some party games.
He returned to the Dinner the following year back at the Staverton Park Hotel, and as can be reported now, sat up to 6am with Coxy, Geoff Palmer Alan Wigley and a few other study souls talking football and finishing off the remaining real ale. He didn’t make breakfast though!
Kevin settled in quickly with the members, Light’ouse was trying to rent his Florida villa, and he mingled comfortably with young and old alike, and was happy to talk all things football.
Unfortunately Glenn Hoddle wasn’t giving Kevin the opportunity to play regularly and he first went to Norwich on a 6 month loan then linked up with Dave Jones at Cardiff again on a permantant deal. He still plays in and around South Wales and keeps in touch with Coxy via email.
He scored two outstanding goals while at Wolves; a 35 yard pile driver against Norwich in a play-off semi-final, which unfortunately was not enough to turn around the first leg deficit, then against his home town club Derby he hit a 30 yard curler into the top corner.