Tributes as Dons’ Gothenburg hero Cooper dies at 54
ABERDEEN legend Neale Cooper, who entered the history books when his side won European glory over the mighty Real Madrid, has died aged 54.
The former Dons and Rangers midfielder was found with a suspected head injury in the communal hallway of a block of flats in Aberdeen.
Cooper, who was born in Darjeeling, India, but grew up in the Granite City, was taken to hospital in a ‘critical condition’ in the early hours of Sunday.
But last night Aberdeen Football Club said Cooper had died in hospital with his family by his side.
A spokesman said the club was ‘deeply shocked and saddened’ to hear that Cooper had passed away.
He added: ‘A Dons legend, Neale came through the ranks at Pittodrie during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign and he lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup and European Super Cup with his Gothenburg Greats in 1983.
‘He also won two Premier Division titles, four Scottish Cups and the League Cup with Aberdeen.
‘The thoughts of everybody at Aberdeen FC are with his family and friends at this very sad time.’
Cooper’s career also saw him play at Rangers, Dunfermline Athletic, Ross County, Aston Villa and Reading.
He later managed Ross County, Peterhead, Hartlepool United and Gillingham.
Cooper was a member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous Aberdeen squad who earned themselves the nickname the ‘Gothenburg Greats’ when they beat Real Madrid in the 1983 Cup Winners Cup final in the Swedish city.
The team, which also included Willie Miller, Jim Leighton, Alex McLeish and John Hewitt, beat the Spanish side 2-1 in extra time. They met for a reunion only ten days ago to remember their triumph.
Sir Alex was admitted to hospital this month for emergency surgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage. The former Manchester United manager is now recovering.
Fellow team-mate Neil Simpson tweeted: ‘Devastated and heartbroken. Will miss your cheeky smile, infectious laugh, Fergie impressions, all the dressing room stories and your friendship.
‘Loved playing alongside you. Taken too soon. Thoughts with your mum and all your lovely family.
‘RIP Neale “Tattie” Cooper. Never forgotten.’
Scottish commentator Derek Rae tweeted: ‘Neale grew up in the same part of Aberdeen as I did and attended the same primary and secondary schools. Gothenburg hero but always just “Tattie” to most of us.’
It is understood Cooper had been in Aberdeen city centre on Saturday night before getting a taxi to Bucksburn with another man and two women.
Police are appealing for the taxi driver who dropped them off to contact them.
‘Loved playing alongside you’