[2] He joined Manchester United as an amateur in the same year, turned professional in 1951, and made his debut for the club on 29 September 1956 against Arsenal at Highbury.
[4] He lost his first-team place to Bill Foulkes in October 1960,[citation needed] and left United for Luton Town in August 1961 on a £10,000 transfer.
He left the professional scene two years later, although he continued to play at non-league level for Northwich Victoria and also served the Cheshire club as manager.
[3] His father, George, had played for Crewe Alexandra, and he was considered a stand-out player in the squad, always being where he was needed.
[citation needed] Like his father, Cope also played Cheshire County League football for Nantwich.