Alex Cropley

Alexander James Cropley (16 January 1951 – 27 March 2026) was a professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Hibernian, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Portsmouth. Born in England, he was capped for the Scotland national team.

Career Cropley was born in Aldershot, Hampshire. His father is Jack Cropley, who was playing for Aldershot at the time. Cropley junior, who grew up in Edinburgh, began his career with Hibernian, where he featured in the famed team of the early 1970s known as "Turnbull's Tornadoes". While with Hibs, he won the Scottish League Cup of 1972, in a 2–1 victory over Celtic in the final. Despite being born in the south of England, Cropley was eligible for Scotland and he was selected for matches played against Belgium and Portugal in 1971. He made his debut for the Gunners against Carlisle United on 7 December 1974. Cropley then broke his leg in a match away to Middlesbrough in January 1975 and broke it again soon after his comeback. He returned to make 22 appearances in the 1975–76 season, but could not secure a regular place in Arsenal's first team. He then linked up with Aston Villa in September 1976, having played 30 league games with five goals scored altogether for Arsenal. He thereafter yet again suffered another a broken leg, in a game versus local rivals West Bromwich Albion on 10 December 1977. Cropley then had a spell on loan at Newcastle United from January to June 1980, returning to Villa in July of that year. Cropley left Villa Park in March 1981 to feature a month later for club Toronto Blizzard in the North American Soccer League. He then left Blizzard in October 1981 and to link up in the following month for Portsmouth. He then ended his days as a professional footballer in 1982 due to persistent and serious injuries at the relatively young age of 31. Jordan went on to feature for Scottish clubs Berwick Rangers, Arniston Rangers and Haddington Athletic.

An autobiography entitled Crops: The Alex Cropley Story was released in 2013.

Cropley was diagnosed with dementia in December 2020. He died on 27 March 2026, aged 75.

Honours Hibernian Scottish League Cup: 1972

Aston Villa Football League Cup: 1977

Individual Hibernian F.C. Hall of Fame: 2017