Gothenburg Greats say
THOUSANDS of Red Army footsoldiers last night paid tribute to one of their own. Neale Cooper, 54, was the local hero in Aberdeen who lived a fan’s footballing dream but still kept his feet firmly on the ground. Tattie, as he was nicknamed, was the youngest of Aberdeen’s “Gothenburg Greats” who won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983. Sadly, he was the first to pass away. A year ago, he survived a BY CHARLIE GALL heart attack but died on May 28 after falling down stairs at a block of flats in his home city.
His funeral was held at Baldarroch Crematorium in Crathes, near Banchory, but his family joined fans at Pittodrie later for a celebration of his life.
His former team-mates, friends and supporters paid homage to Cooper at the stadium.
In a message on jumbo screens, former Celtic, Arsenal and Aberdeen star Charlie Nicholas called Cooper “The Giggling Assassin” who would “kick you and laugh”.
Former Dons skipper Willie Miller took to a stage to speak on behalf of Cooper’s “Gothenburg family”.
And Gordon Strachan and Mark McGhee turned up together to join the rest of the Gothenburg Greats.
There was a video message from Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling, wearing the colours of Hartlepool FC, where Cooper was twice manager.
Graeme Souness, who took Cooper from Aston Villa to Rangers in 1988 spoke from his holiday bolthole in Barbados.
Another of Cooper’s former managers, Dunfermline Athletic’s Jim Leishman, also paid tribute.
Fan Finlay Cran, 58, said: “Neale was surrounded by quality players and to fit in you had to be something special.”
Last night, 220 red and white balloons were released – marking the number of appearances Cooper made for Aberdeen.