Passing Away

In March 1995, Davie Cooper and Charlie Nicholas were filming a football skills show, called 'Shoot' for Scottish Television, at Clyde’s Broadwood stadium in Cumbernauld. The two former old firm rivals had become friends on the set of the programme and enjoyed winding each other-up and playing practical jokes on the coaching staff. However, the mood suddenly changed when, without any warning, Cooper collapsed on the pitch. As Nicholas recalls:

 

“He was happy and relaxed then the next thing I realised was that he had fallen back. The kids on the course thought he was clowning around but, of course, he was so desperately ill. It was awful.”

 

Cooper was rushed to hospital where it was discovered he had suffered a brain hemorrhage. He died the following day, March 23rd, 1995. He was only 39 years old.

 

The suddenness of Coopers death shocked the nation. He was a fit young man with no health problems and as, with any unexpected bereavement, it all seemed so tragic and unfair. Tommy Craig had been with Cooper on that fateful day and recalls

 

“There was nothing untoward to suggest anything at all was wrong with Davie. He was as bright and bubbly as ever. There was no warning, no signal that anything was wrong.”

 

The global tributes that poured in over the next few days were testament to Coopers contribution to world football, and a mark of respect for a man who was regarded as a genuinely nice and humble guy. Indeed, his tragic passing away is one of the few sad occasions that united both sides of the Old firm. Cooper had earned the respect of Celtic supporters with his majestic skills and humility - green-and-white scarfs were seen draped outside Ibrox after his death and tributes poured in from hoops fans. The scenes outside Ibrox were unprecedented:

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As Derek Johnstone remarks:

 

“The biggest tribute that can be paid to Davie was the astonishing scenes after he so tragically died. Fans from all over the world, from every different club and from all walks of life united in grief. Davie would have been staggered that Celtic supporters – and that fans from all those other clubs – respected him that much.”

His funeral took place at Hillhouse Parish Church, Hamilton on Monday March 27, 1995. Massive crowds gathered outside the church to pay there respects, and the service was attended by the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Graeme Souness, Ally McCoist and Charlie Nicholas.

In 1999, four years after his death, a statue was erected in Hamilton honouring the winger. It was unveiled by his long time friend Ally McCoist. In 2005, ten years after his death, the CIS Cup Final between Rangers and Motherwell was renamed "The Davie Cooper Final". It was an affectionate and appropriate tribute to a player who had saved some of his best performances for the League cup finals at Hampden. The same year the charity the "Davie Cooper Centre" was established to help children with a wide range of disabilities. Clearly time has not diminished Coopers legacy and his influence and impact on Scottish football is still fresh in peoples mind.

In his eulogy to Cooper, the then Rangers manager, Walter Smith, summed it all up perfectly:

"God gave Davie Cooper a talent. He would not be disappointed with how it was used."

 

It was a fitting tribute to a footballing genius who had, graced the Scottish game and, given so much pleasure to football supporters over the years. Davie we will miss your gift, RIP.