'His legacy lives on' - Tributes to photographer and stalwart of Squires Gate FC Albert Cooper
Legendary World Cup final picture among his work for national newspaper
Tributes have been paid to Albert Cooper, a long-time sports photographer at the Daily Mirror who made his home on the Fylde coast and was a stalwart of Squires Gate FC and well as chairing St Annes British Legion.
The 90-year-old was described by Squires Gate as “an incredible person, and a legendary sports photographer who will be sadly missed by all”.
All the latest news direct to your inbox
The non-league club’s tribute added: “Albert’s legacy lives on, and we are so extremely proud and honoured to be associated with him. Our thoughts are with all of his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Among the comments in tribute to Albert following the football club’s post, Seydou Bamber described him as “A legend of a man”, adding: “It was a massive honour to have crossed paths with him. I will remember him through the brilliant photos he has taken over the years. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.”
Adam Sumner said Albert was “an absolute legend of a man - a great photographer who has captured some unbelievable photos throughout the years.”
Albert, who was born in Barnsley in 1936, covered the 1966 World Cup Final for the Mirror and took the only photo of Bobby and Jack Charlton after England won the trophy at Wembley.
He memorably captured the brothers kneeling on the pitch and hugging each other
Albert’s work recently featured in a special exhibition in Manchester of unseen photos he took of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, curated by his grandson Matt.
The exhibition was at the SeeSaw venue in Manchester and Matt said at its opening: “Growing up, I never really understood the depth of my grandad’s work or what it meant on a larger scale, but I always knew it would mean something one day.
“I’m so proud of my grandad. He showed me the way in life, whether that was how to treat people or how to use a camera.
“He couldn’t have done more for me growing up.”
Albert was a prolific supplier of pictures to The Gazette in his later years, including action shots from his beloved Squires Gaye and photographs to promote the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, which meant so much to him.