Members News: Sky Blues’ Legendary FB Hits 76 Today. ‘Happy Birthday’, Mick

Mick in the Sky Blue

The Association wishes ‘Many Happy Returns’ to one of Coventry City’s best ever full backs, a CCFC Legend, and longstanding CCFPA member, Mick Coop. Mick is celebrating his 76th birthday today! Mick’s service to the Sky Blues covered sixteen first team playing seasons. He was even fit enough to turn out for City’s reserves in an emergency in May 1987 aged 38, fully 21 years after his first team debut at right back in City’s League Cup tie against Brighton on 11th October 1966!

He was granted a testimonial game played against a Scottish XI in 1977 (below right)

Mick in action

Though born in Grimsby on 10th July 1948 Mick went to school locally (Oken School, Warwick) and was quickly apprenticed to the late Jimmy Hill‘s Sky Blues youth set-up from 1963, eventually becoming a Highfield Road professional in January 1966. And what a servant to the Sky Blues Mick has been! For a time he was the Sky Blues chosen penalty king!

Mick’s Testimonial Programme in Nov. 1977

‘Mr Reliable’, he made just one short of 500 first team appearances for the Sky Blues between October 1966 (Division Two) and May 1981 (Division One) – in all scoring 22 times – before finally moving to Derby County for season 1981-82 (21 appearances). He had also gone out on loan whilst with the Sky Blues to both York City in 1974-75 and part of the club’s ill-fated experiment with Detroit Express in 1979.

Mick ended his career locally at A.P.Leamington before retiring to that town, running an antiques business there.

Mick takes a home penalty v Grimsby (and scores)

Mick didn’t stay away from CCFC too long becoming coach to the Sky Blues Youth team between 1986-89 with the obvious highlight of his young Sky Blues winning the F.A.Youth Cup in 1986-87, the same year as their seniors.

We have occasionally persuaded Mick to attend CCFPA functions in past seasons but he remains elusive and not one to court the limelight!

Mick still lives locally and though not a frequent visitor to the Ricoh/CBS has been welcomed at Association Golf Days in recent years. Have a great birthday today, Mick – we hope to see you back again at a CCFPA event next season!