Birkenhead-born Tom Cooper, signed from South Liverpool, played in the Southern League for Exeter City during 1912/13. He arrived at St James’ Park on the recommendation of former player Andy McGuigan and later returned to play for South Liverpool once again.

After leaving school in Birkenhead, Tom played for Wirral Railway Club and Birkenhead before joining South Liverpool as the club progressed from the Liverpool County League to the Lancashire Combination. Working in the Cammell Laird shipyard, he joined Exeter City in 1912 together with teammate Geogre Clay. 

Whilst Clay didn’t make City’s first team, Tom made his debut in a Southern League fixture against Southampton in October 1912 and appeared in the majority of the remaining games before returning to play for South Liverpool at the end of the season. Scoring nine times for City he was joint-second highest scorer.