But Coppinger never progressed past the reserve side, and gradually fell down the leagues ... even to the Conference at one stage.
Not good enough? Well Kevin Keegan believes he is a class player who simply didn't take his chance.
Keegan: "He was their best player (in the play-offs) and got a hat-trick in one of the games.
"He's now one league away from playing Premiership football that was denied to him first time round.
"I've not been to the new (Keepmoat) stadium, I believe it's excellent. I'm looking forward to seeing that and seeing some old friends, and it'll be a good game. Rovers are a footballing side, they do get it down and play."