'Demands facing James Coppinger show his level of commitment' - Darren Moore praises veteran for signing up for one more year with Doncaster Rovers

A player that has been consistently one of the fittest in the group for many years, and one that has delivered on the pitch time and again when called upon.

And a player that also happens to be nearing his 40th birthday.

James Coppinger will know all about the demands facing him in his final season as a professional footballer according to Moore, whether it be the rigours of playing or the lengthy travel time he has each day as he heads into training.

And that makes his commitment all the more meaningful from the manager’s perspective.

“The mere fact that the age he is at and the longevity he has had in the game, he’s itching to get back, is testament to him and his appetite for the game, his willingness to learn and improve,” Moore told the Free Press.

“And certainly for myself and the coaching staff, it’s just a really nice thing to have.

“He’ll be having his 40th birthday with us.

“The levels and demands of the game puts on you as an individual, it’s wonderful to see him committed.

“He wants to play his part and doesn’t want to have any easy hand outs.

“He typifies what we’re all about.

“It’s a really great time for the club and we congratulate him and his family.”

Moore has no doubts that Coppinger will be able to cope with the physical demands as well as the mental ones facing him over the next 12 months.

“It’s going to be a different season this year,” he said.

“Because we’re starting late, from what I’m hearing they’re going to be loading a lot of games in early. There’s going to be a lot of Saturday-Tuesday weeks.

“The squad is going to have to be adaptable to cope with the demands that are being set on us to keep the high level of performance week in, week out.

“It’s going to be very demanding.”

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