James Coppinger on his 'inevitable' new deal at Doncaster Rovers

Coppinger will enter his 17th season as a Rovers player after committing to a new one-year deal which will take him past his 40th birthday.

Though the terms of the deal will see him take a hefty wage cut from his earnings last season, Coppinger insists he was always determined to play on.

“As far as football is concerned it was a simple decision because I still think I’ve got things to offer,” he told the Free Press.

“Based on last season, I feel like in the front end of the season in particular, I started most games and contributed as much as anyone.

“It was inevitable that I would come back. It was just whether Doncaster were willing to offer me a new contract and there was something on the table.

“We got to the decision.”

Due to the financial implications of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on football, Rovers offered significantly reduced terms to Coppinger, which he admits made his choice to stay less simple.

But ultimately his desire to play on overcame financial matters.

“It’s a difficult situation and it wasn’t an easy decision to be made,” he said.

“But I enjoy what I do and I love the club and that is why I’ve gone back.

“It would be silly of me to walk away on that basis.

“It’s been difficult for the club and everyone, with people losing jobs. I totally get that.

“For me, it was about not walking away from the club for any reason other than the football.

“It would have been such a shame for me to end my career at Doncaster Rovers and in football in that way.

“I’m really positive with going back and I’m really looking forward to it.”

The 39-year-old praised chief executive Gavin Baldwin for his role in the discussions over a new contract.

“Gavin has been unbelievable in all this,” Coppinger said.

“For me, he doesn’t get enough credit for what he does.

“Without him, I don’t think I would have been there for the length of time I have. Working with him, with everything through the pandemic, has been unbelievable.”

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