A quiet, unassuming character off the field, Ian Cooper was a dominant defender on it. Until Ces Podd broke it, Cooper held the club appearances record with 443 league games between 1965 and 1977.

Born in Bradford, Cooper skippered a Bradford Boys team which also included future City players Bruce Bannister, Phil Barlow and Steve Ingle.

He joined Bradford City in September 1962 and was still an amateur when an injury to Alan York gave him his League debut.

In August 1966, Cooper became a full-time professional giving up a P.E. course at Leeds Carnegie Training College.

Between 15 August 1970 and 3 November 1973 he made 154 consecutive League appearances for the Bantams and in April 1976 played in goal after Peter Downsborough was injured at Brentford.

Ian ended his League career in 1976/77 and went on to spend three years playing for non-League Guiseley. He is another ex-Bantam who can be seen at the club on matchdays working in the hospitality areas.