Player Profile

Jackie Copland joined St.Mirren from Kirklandneuk Juveniles in 1967, making his first team debut near the end of the 1967/68 Second Division Championship year.
However, things did not work out and after only two appearances, Jackie returned to the Juniors with Beith, before moving to Stranraer and then Dundee United in 1970.
Six years later he returned to Love Street when Alex Ferguson saw him as the final piece of the team that he hoped would win promotion to the Premier League. Jackie proved him correct by playing a big part in securing the First Division title for the Saints.
His first league goal came against promotion rivals Dundee in a 3-1 victory. Although 29 when he returned he was still extremely fit. The next season he and Bobby Reid formed a solid central defensive partnership. During St Mirren's second premier season he teamed with Andy Dunlop, and played in every league game.
In 1979/80 he partnered young Mark Fulton and enjoyed success in the Anglo Scottish Cup.
The next season he partnered John McCormack and only missed three league games. In season 81-82 he was ever present in the league and helped St Mirren to the semi-finals of both the League Cup and Scottish Cup. During his second spell with St Mirren he played a total of 296 competitive matches, scoring six goals along the way.
Jackie Copland gave up playing in 1983 and has taken on several roles within the club, secretary, commercial manager and he is currently manager of the sports complex at Love Street.