I really don't know where to start. There is absolutely nothing that
can take away the numbness, the pain, the sense of loss that I feel
right now. Not only have we lost a hero and a legend, we have lost a
truly great Ranger. "Super" epitomised for me, what a Rangers player
should be. CLASS! It is all the more tragic (if that is possible) in
that he was still so much part of us. The sublime wing play we have
witnessed this season, has constantly evoked Cooper's image. Prompted
the wistful thought "If only the two of them had played together"?
Deep down, we all expected him to come back to Ibrox in a coaching
capacity, sooner rather than later. He still had so much to offer us.
So where do you start in trying to pay tribute to Davie Cooper? I am
clearly unequal to the task.
Davie Cooper was the most gifted British footballer I have ever seen.
As a Ranger, the greatest compliment I can pay him is that he single
handedly carried Rangers in the worst Rangers team this century
(league performance wise) as much as John Greig carried Rangers in the
late 60's and early 70's. Cooper was our only glimmer of hope in those
wretched years between Aug 78 and April 86. It was almost solely down
to him, our sporadic Cup success in the 80's before Souness arrived.
Would there be any point in trying to single out specific games and
goals? It could be argued that the 81 S. Cup replay and the Dryborough
Cup goal in 79 were his finest hour. That is only because of the high
profile nature of these games. I could list a 1, 2, 3 of his greatest
goals, but what is the point? Anyone reading this could give a
different list, equally as valid. There are so many examples of his
genius to choose from. It is well nigh impossible to pick 'only' a few.
So Davie Cooper has gone. His legacy will live on as long as there is
a Rangers Football Club. He helps us even in death. In our grief he
has once more united a support whose patience has reached breaking
point with some truly appalling mismanagement. A support which is now
resigned to pitiful performances by overpaid so called professionals.
When we think of 'Coop' we realise the kind of excellence that should
always be strived for. Who knows, the memory of Davie Cooper may even
galvanise (or shame) a squad of players into giving us what we deserve
in the remaining league games? (Laudrup excepted).
I ask 3 things of the Rangers management to show how much Davie Cooper
meant to us, and the first 2 are minor and pretty cosmetic.
Firstly when (or if) we win this league, I would like the words
'Dedicated to Davie Cooper' (or similar) embroidered on to the actual
flag.
Secondly, Davie Cooper's family should be asked to raise the flag on
the opening day of next season.
Thirdly and most importantly. When you step inside the main entrance
at Ibrox, and look up to the top of the marble staircase, there is a
portrait of Alan Morton. In my opinion David Murray should commission
a portrait of Davie Cooper to hang alongside it. We would then have
the two greatest, skilful wingers Scotland has ever produced, side by
side for posterity. Davie Cooper's memory deserves no less. This would
not be tampering with tradition, merely adding to it.
Thank you Davie Cooper from the bottom of my heart for the joy you
gave this mere mortal. Thank you for being a RANGER. I would like
lastly to pose one question. Is Rangers Football Club today, a club
going for 7 leagues on the trot, any better off than the absolute
shambles of a Club we were 10 years ago that had Davie Cooper and
nothing else? Winning isn't everything. It has taken the tragic death
of David Cooper to make me realise this.
The Govanhill Gub