Terry Cooper - Fans memories of a Leeds United left back ahead of his time

Terry Cooper earned a reputation as a full back of innovation showing that the right levels of fitness and skill and an ability to cross the ball meant he could perform a devastating overlap down the left flank to support winger Eddie Gray.

He clocked up 250 appearances for the Whites during which time he revolutionised the left back landscape.

And it was while representing his country that he proved his world-class pedigree.

Cooper walked tall against the most feted international side of all-time, legendary 1970s winners Brazil, earning gushing praise from the greatest of the greats Pele.

The footballing icon stated that Cooper was good enough to feature in that crop of Samba specials, providing the ultimate acclamation for the talented if modest Yorkshireman.

Your YEP has been asking the Elland Road faithful to share memories of a player whose Wembley strike against Arsenal in the League Cup final of 1968 brought United their first major trophy.

Responses included:

Dave Bullock - "Loved watching him bomb up the pitch, left other players behind. Great player."

Peter Collins - "Top Cat was a tremendous defensive and attacking defender, not just for Leeds but also for England, playing in the 1970 World Cup. His left-foot thunderbolt secured our first major trophy, the League Cup at Wembley in 1968. Quite simply our greatest ever left back."

Chris Cromack - "Great player, converted from playing on the left wiñg with the reserves by the Don and his coaches, exceptional attacking full back, But the only time I saw him have a bad one, 1970 European cup Semi final against Celtic, Jinky ( Jimmy Johnstone) tore him to shreds. Credit where credit is due of that era Celtic were special."

Neil Barclay - "Fantastic defender. He was always solid and reliable for Leeds."

Alan Jeffels - "One of the best fullbacks I’ve ever had the pleasure to have watched."

Derek Hairyes - "Saw him at left wing against Everton at Goodison Park in 1964. Injury forced a change. He moved to left back and never looked back. History!!!!!!"

Dave Scotson - "Very much underestimated player. A fantastic player but other teammates got the limelight."

Derek Walker - "I think it was Don's idea to move him to left back from left wing. Terry was so skilful and had balance and pace. I saw him play many times for Leeds and also at my first visit to Wembley to see England play as a 12 year old. He was brilliant and his switch as an attacking left back was unique. But then again everything the Don did and the players that served him was pretty special to say the least."

Peter Brown - "Sadly was never the same player after breaking his leg, voted best left back at 1970 World Cup."

Matthew Wreford - "Way ahead of his time. Legend."

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Thank you

Laura Collins