COLLINS ON A HIGH
Del’s tribute to his great friend, Dons hero Neale
BY ALAN MARSHALL DEREK McINNES has paid special tribute to Aberdeen hero Neale Cooper.
The defender, who helped the Dons lift the European Cup-Winners’ Cup in 1983, died aged 54 on Monday following a fall at a block of flats.
McInnes says he had got to know Cooper, who also played for Aston Villa, Rangers and Dunfermline as well as managing Ross County, Hartlepool, Gillingham and Peterhead, after taking over at Pittodrie.
The Dons boss said: “I’m devastated. Neale had this unique ability of making me and other people feel instantly better.
“He lit up a room and was such a likeable guy. He was one of life’s good guys and we will ultimately be a poorer club without him around.
“Neale would often stick his head in to my office on a matchday, always quick with a joke. He often used to say he had his boots with him and was ready to play.
“He was always very supportive of myself and my players and it’s clear he defended Aberdeen fiercely at every turn. On a personal basis I will be eternally grateful to him for that.
“His greatness on the pitch will forever be cherished but his greatness will always be felt by everyone associated with Aberdeen.” RESULTS/FIXTURES
Australia 4, Czech Rep 0; Sth Korea 1, Bosnia-Herz 3; Georgia 0, Malta 1; Tunisia 2, Turkey 2; France 3, Italy 1.
International friendlies –
Austria v Germany (5.0), Belgium v Portugal (7.45), England v Nigeria (5.15), Iceland v Norway (9.0), Rep Ireland v USA (8.0, Sweden v Denmark (6.45).
International friendlies – North Regional Cup Final –
Stonehaven v Banks o’Dee.
East of Scotland Cup semi-final –
Penicuik v Dundonald (2.30).
Fife & Lothians Cup Final –
Bonnyrigg v Newtongrange. Carnoustie v Bo’ness (2.30), Forfar WE v Linlithgow (2.30), Newtongrange v Jeanfield (2.30). Fauldhouse v Tayport (2.30), Haddington v Whitburn (2.30). Darvel v Shettleston. Glencairn v
East Super League – East Premier – West Cup – Central League Cup –
Pollok. (2.0 unless stated)
Champions Cup semi-final –
Petershill v Rossvale. Beith v Girvan, Cumnock v Auchinleck, Hurlford v Clydebank, Rob Roy v Glenafton. Cumbernauld v Largs (1.0). Greenock v Wishaw. Whitletts v Dalry.
West Super Premier – Super First – Central 1st Div – Ayrshire League – West