Steve Copell played most of his Professional career for Manchester United which included 323 appearances and 53 goals. He also made 42 appearances for the National team scoring 7 goals. His career ended abruptly at the age of 28 when his knee was seriously after a vicious high challenge by Hungarian defender, Josef Toth in 1982 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. He underwent surgery for the injury which provided a temporary fix. His announced retirement in October 1983 after another operation failed to improve his condition.
He joined Crystal Palace as Manager in June 1984, at the age of 28 years and 10 months making him one of the youngest manager of a Football League club. Under his guidance, Crystal Palace won promotion to the top division through play-offs in 1989. Palace stayed in the top flight for four seasons, and also reached the FA Cup Final in 1990, losing to Manchester United on a replay, after Coppell's inspired substitution of bringing on Ian Wright nearly won the first game for Palace.
The following season, Crystal Palace finished in third place (their highest ever league finish) and won their first major trophy, the Zenith Data Systems Cup. The club's fortunes declined after that, and in May 1993, Coppell resigned after they were relegated from the Premier League. He had three more stints with Crystal Palace, none lasting more a season.
His last stint was with League Two club, Portsmouth Club, where he joined as Director of Football in December 2013, which he held for 4 months and resigned in March 2014.
The new coach would be expected a much needed stability in the team after last year's performance, in which they finished 7th.
The following season, Crystal Palace finished in third place (their highest ever league finish) and won their first major trophy, the Zenith Data Systems Cup. The club's fortunes declined after that, and in May 1993, Coppell resigned after they were relegated from the Premier League. He had three more stints with Crystal Palace, none lasting more a season.
His last stint was with League Two club, Portsmouth Club, where he joined as Director of Football in December 2013, which he held for 4 months and resigned in March 2014.
The new coach would be expected a much needed stability in the team after last year's performance, in which they finished 7th.
