A FORMER Rangers star has called for a statue of his tragic legendary teammate to be moved to Ibrox after falling into a state of disrepair.
David MacKinnon starred for Rangers in the 1980s making over 165 league appearances alongside Davie Cooper, who tragically passed away in 1995 after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
The Rangers legend had a statue erected at the Hamilton Palace Sports Grounds in Cooper’s hometown of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.
The bronze sculpture was created by Kenny MacKay and unveiled on the 18th of March 1999 – almost exactly 25 years ago.
However, when MacKinnon headed to Hamilton Palace over the weekend, he was left saddened by the state of the statue for his late pal.
An image shows the inscription to Cooper has faded with most of the words now weather-beaten and in a state of disrepair.
The tribute should read: “David Cooper 1956 – 1995.
“This statue was erected by South Lanarkshire Council as a tribute to football legend David Cooper.
“1974-1977 Clydebank F.C
“1977-1989 Glasgow Rangers F.C
“1989-1993 Motherwell F.C
“22 Scotland international caps
“3 Scottish League Championship medals
“4 Scottish Cup winners medals
“7 Scottish League Cup winners medals.”
The actual bust of Cooper looking out onto his hometown has stood the test of time despite the plaque being well-worn.
MacKinnon took to social media last week and shared the image with the caption: “Sad situation at Hamilton Palace grounds, where the statue of my former teammate Davie Cooper needs some [tender loving care].
“Erected by South Lanarkshire Council maybe Rangers could refurbish and move to the club’s museum, Coop was a legend in the game and deserves better. #Coopdeservesbetter.”
His post received over 970 likes with dozens of comments from supporters of Scottish clubs voicing their opinion about the statue.
One said: “Wouldn’t move it from Hamilton, local lad, he’d have loved it here, maybe the new Rangers pub Coopers Bar in Hamilton could fundraise to get it fixed.”
Another added: “I agree with you, Davie – Cooper is Rangers royalty. Rangers, surely you get this sorted and bring Coop home.”
A third replied: “He can stay where he is, as a Motherwell supporter I love seeing this when out walking.”
Another commented: “My boy is lucky enough to see Davie every week, but it would be good for other young Gers to get to see him outside Ibrox.”
A fifth responded: “I’m a St Mirren fan but he was a very talented player and respect should be shown.”
Davie Cooper passed away tragically at the age of 39 after suffering a brain haemorrhage while filming a coaching session for Scottish Television.
Speaking today, David Booth, Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “We were pleased to be able to erect this statue to commemorate the life of one of the area’s most famous sons.
“It was unveiled almost exactly 25 years ago and inevitably time has had an impact on the statue and its signage.
“The council is fully conscious of this and has been in discussion with a group of fans over a potential partnership project to renovate the statue.
“However, the council has had to find savings of more than £170 million in the last decade and funding for that project is not yet in place.
“We will, however, look at options to clean up the statue in the short-term while longer-term solutions can be further explored.”
