John Cooper (24 February 1897 – 16 September 1975)[1] was an English footballer who had a brief professional career with Southampton in the 1920s.
Cooper was born in Wednesbury, Staffordshire and joined Darlaston playing in the Birmingham & District League.
Described as "the best inside-right in the Birmingham League", he topped the goalscoring charts whilst with Darlaston.
[2] He soon became the target for talent scouts from several top clubs, including Manchester United, Cardiff City and Sunderland.
Cooper was unable to live up to his reputation and found it virtually impossible to displace the Saints' veterans, Arthur Dominy and Bill Rawlings, from the forward positions.