“I’M NOT JUST jumping on the bandwagon like other fellas,” protests Colm Cooper. “I’d be a huge Liverpool supporter and always have been.”
That’s the case for defence and the reason as to why his excitement is so feverish at present. He’s spent enough time in the Kerry squad suffering as Manchester United fans gloated not to relish the current good times that Liverpool are experiencing.
“I’ve been getting stick for years in the Kerry dressing-room so I’m lapping it up now. The United fans in the Kerry squad are gone a bit quiet now. It’s no harm. Darran (O’Sullivan), Bryan (Sheehan), the O Sé’s and Galvin are all United fans and were very loud about that.
“There’d be big soccer interest in the Kerry dressing-room and there’s always great banter. Donaghy is Chelsea, then you’ve a couple of the younger lads Peter Crowley and Paul Geaney are Liverpool fans. It’s great to see them coming into the panel then. Of the management then, Diarmuid Murphy is a big Arsenal fan and Eamonn Fitz is a mad United supporter.”
In the Cooper family, a devotion to Old Trafford held sway as well but he formed his own allegiances.
“Most of my brothers are United fans, one is Everton, another is Liverpool and so am I. I think it was down to the fact that I started supporting them in the late 80’s when Aldridge and Houghton were there, so there was an Irish connection.”
It was an England international who he idolised most. John Barnes was renowned for his prowess with his left foot and his trickery. Remind you of anyone?
“I thought Barnes was brilliant. He brought Liverpool to a new level. He’d balance, strength and a superb left foot. He was someone I always looked to and he was left-legged like myself which helped my grá for him.”
Another Liverpool icon would be a current favourite.
“Gerrard really because he’s a true Liverpool player. Even the time when he had a chance to leave, he showed loyalty to Liverpool. You can see he loves playing for the club. He’s transformed his role this year into a holding midfielder seamlessly.”
He’s a multi All-Ireland senior Gaelic football winner but Cooper dabbled in soccer at underage level before his sporting career path veered elsewhere.
“I played for Killarney Celtic myself until I was about 16. Then the Kerry minors came knocking on the door so something had to give. I’d to give that full focus then.
“I loved playing it though. Some fellas at home I’d see playing soccer for a few months in the winter but it hasn’t been possible for us with the run we’ve had with Crokes.”
For now, he will focus on Liverpool. Since snapping his cruciate in February, the Kerry maestro been spending more time on the couch recuperating with his leg propped up. He’s been able to keep a closer eye monitoring their progress and was moved by the Hillsborough memorial services last week.
“I barely remember it (at the time) but I watched the services last week. It’s very sad to think 96 people went to a match and didn’t come home. It was great to see Rodgers speaking so well and Roberto Martinez. It was a hugely emotional day, particularly with Liverpool in the run in to the title.
“I was thinking top four at best this season. That would have been brilliant. I didn’t know about a few players whether Sterling would reach the level he has or defensively whether Skertel would be out the door as he didn’t seem Rodgers type of player. There was question marks over a few players but they’ve answered them.”
Kerry and Dr Crokes commitments have prevented Cooper from journeying over to Anfield as frequently as he’d like. But he’s toying with the idea of heading over on May 11th for what he hopes will be a coronation.
“It’s difficult to get time to do it because with Kerry and Dr Crokes, it’s been tricky over the last few years. I’m not ruling out trying to get over the Newcastle game for the last day of the season. It’d be a dream to be there for the last day of the season.
“They’re in pole position now. When you have momentum, confidence rises and you think you can do no wrong. Liverpool have won so many on the bounce now that they probably feel they’re indestructible.
“The thing is the likes of Coutinho, Henderson and Flanagan have no fear and they don’t seem to have the burden on their shoulders. They’re going out to play and it’s great.”
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Opel GAA Ambassador Colm Cooper was speaking at the launch of Opel Kit for Clubs 2014 – For every test drive, car service or Opel purchase made through the Opel dealer network, your local GAA club is awarded points that can be redeemed against high quality kit for your club! Log onto opelkitforclubs.com and start earning points today.
