James Coppinger challenges Doncaster Rovers youngsters to handle successes

James Coppinger feels handling success has been one of the biggest learning curves for the younger players at Doncaster Rovers this season.
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Rovers have put themselves in a strong position just past the midpoint of the campaign and prior to their recent stutter, had won nine of ten matches.

Coppinger says dealing with rising expectations in such circumstances in the right manner is a big challenge for inexperienced players.

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“I think it’s just natural when you’re a young player, you’ve come in and you’re doing really well, winning games,” he told the Free Press.

James CoppingerJames Coppinger
James Coppinger

“You can listen to outside influences, your family, friends, agents or whoever. You’re winning and people are saying you’re going to get promoted.

“You start thinking ahead of where you are - which is nowhere. The table is the table but the only thing that matters is where you are at the end of the season.

“I think it’ll be a learning curve for a lot of players that you’ve got to understand that every time you play - and this is what I’ve done through my career - you reset.

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“No one cares about winning nine out of ten, they care about the next game so if you lose, they’ll be talking about that one.

“I had a 24 hour rule. I gave myself either 24 hours to enjoy it or feel sorry for myself. And after those 24 hours it was done, parked and in the bin.

“That’s how I’ve been and the successful teams that I have been part of, the majority of the players involved have had that.”

The unique nature of the current season, with so many games in quick succession, is another challenge regarding expectations according to Coppinger, where a string of results either way can draw a strong reaction from supporters and onlookers.

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And the 40-year-old believes being able to take successful runs in your stride is just as important and handling defeats.

He said: “I think that’s where you’ve got to as an individual learn how to manage things.

“The majority of our squad is going through that development phase and that’s no good to supporters, the manager to an extent and the people who rely on you winning every week.

“You’re going through development, not just as a player what people see, but mentally and dealing with different circumstances and scenarios that you have in front of you.

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“If you can’t deal with being successful and winning games and you’re getting carried away, in my opinion you’re never going to be successful.”

Coppinger admits he has been heartened by the collective determination of the Rovers squad to chase success this season, despite the difficulties posed by playing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And he believes the tough start to the campaign with a small squad was a big factor in that.

“I think ultimately it galvanised the group to think we’re going to have a go and hit the ground running,” he said.

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“It’s not been easy. You come in and a lot of days you don’t get food, you don’t get to congregate, feed off each other and speak to each other.

“You speak but not as you normally would.

“But I think it’s galvanised the group. Up until recent results I think you can see that.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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