James Coppinger's cryptic tweet raises hopes of retirement U-turn

The 40-year-old, who scored one and made the other in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Gillingham, responded with simply ‘?’ in reply to a tweet from the official Sky Bet League One account asking him ‘One more season?’.

Coppinger is widely expected to retire from professional football when his contract at Doncaster Rovers runs out at the end of this season.

Speaking to the media last month – before the surprise departure of Darren Moore to Sheffield Wednesday – Coppinger said the decision to hang up his boots had been made easier by his lack of game time this term.

However, Coppinger has since started five of the six games under new interim boss Andy Butler – which may have prompted a change of heart.

Rovers fans were quick to pile on his tweet, posted on Sunday morning, urging their hero to reconsider his retirement plans.

Lee Bucknall tweeted: “Wow he’s actually debating it.”

Simon Priest posted: “One more season James! You don’t owe us but we’d certainly like to give you the send off you deserve my friend.”

Emily Maddock Khan said: “Don’t break our hearts, one more year!”

Coppinger is to be awarded the Freedom of Doncaster for his 17 years service to Rovers, Mayor Ros Jones announced this month.

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