Meet the Man Utd fan barber styling Wolves stars for FA Cup clash
Since Jamie Cope started cutting the hair of some of Wolves’ biggest stars, he has struck up something of a friendship with them.
But there is just one problem – he supports Manchester United.
However he has insisted his loyalties will remain undivided as he will be ‘Switzerland’ for the match and not cheer any side.
Hairdressing appointments have been that little bit more interesting since the draw was made for the FA Cup quarter-final, and there has been plenty of banter passing backwards and forwards over the barber’s chair.
Striking duo Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota regularly have their hair cut at Jamie’s Tettenhall salon and both will be hoping they can score the goals to knock United out of the cup and send Wolves to Wembley.
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The sides are preparing to meet on Saturday night for the clash at a sold-out Molineux.
The 30-year-old admits he has found the prospect of the club he supports shattering the dreams of the players he has got to know difficult – but insists he would not be disappointed to see Wolves go through to the semi-final.
The players started coming to the salon after being recommended to him by a friend of Jamie’s who helps find homes for players.
He said: “Since Nuno took over that’s when they started coming. A friend handed out my business card to Jota and it was kind of a domino effect.
“They have got such great banter. I know people can be scared to meet them but they are just normal people.
“I made it clear I was not a Wolves fan and that I supported Man United.”
Jimenez has been on fire recently, netting eight goals in his last 12 games, including against Chelsea on Sunday. He is a man in form heading into the mouth-watering cup clash with United.
Jamie said: “They all sent me text messages as soon as the draw was made, they were all sending emojis.
"I said, listen, I’m Switzerland for this match.
"Whoever scores, I’m not cheering. I said to Jimenez last time I cut your hair you got more goals and he said he was going to get on against Man United.”
But when asked to stick his neck out and make a prediction for the big match, Jamie opted for the club he supports over that of his star customers.
He said: “After the game against Arsenal we need a pick-up and it’s a shame to say Wolves are going to have to be the victims – 3-1 to United.”