Local boy who went on to be ‘legend’

Former Aberdeen forward Frank McDougall believes Neale Cooper’s bubbly personality was an important factor behind Aberdeen’s success in the 1980s.

McDougall and Cooper played together at Pittodrie from 1984-86, helping the Dons to league title success in 1985 under Alex Ferguson and a cup double the following season.

McDougall said: “Neale was a fantastic character.

“He was always up to something and he certainly brightened up life at Pittodrie and made it a fun place to be.

“He was a local boy and it was very important to have someone like that in the team.

“Neale was a really loyal Aberdeen supporter. They were rivals and colleagues but above all else Steve Paterson and Neale Cooper were friends.

In competing against other as managers in the Highlands of their respective clubs Caley Thistle and Ross County, Paterson and Cooper developed a friendship born from a healthy local rivalry.

Their bond ensured that, years after their time in the Highlands had come to an end, they would join forces to work together at Peterhead in 2006.

Paterson concedes he was illprepared for the challenge but took it on anyway thanks to the support of Cooper, who then felt the need to gain his trusted friend’s approval before agreeing to succeed him in the dugout at Balmoor.

Paterson said: “I personally didn’t do too well at Peterhead. I wasn’t in the best of shape in some ways, but Neale was always hugely supportive

“He made sure that the boys who weren’t from Aberdeen knew what it meant to wear that red jersey.

“On the football field, he was different class.

“He was part of the Gothenburg team and stayed through to our team. to me and he went on to become a great friend and colleague.

“When I left the Blue Toon after two years Neale called me to say that he had been offered the job, what did I think. It goes without saying that I immediately gave him my blessing.

“When I went to Peterhead I knew I wanted Neale in as my assistant.

“I think the biggest compliment I can pay to Neale is that after six years as rivals at Caley and County, when I was thinking of an ideal assistant for myself at Peterhead, Neale, particularly on the pitch where he really was fantastic, was the first name that came to mind.

“His enthusiasm, and the way he worked on the training ground with players, was second to none, I knew that he would be a brilliant assistant and coach for me at Balmoor.

“When we worked at Peterhead we were both full-time, and when we went around the local schools coaching it was literally a laugh a minute.”

“He was a fantastic footballer. He was a great passer of the ball and he could tackle.

“In my eyes he was an Aberdeen legend.”

McDougall remained in close contact with Cooper after their time together at the Dons.

He added: “Neale made a speech at my 60th birthday earlier this year and he had people in hysterics. People were actually crying with laughter.

“He was one of my closest friends in football.

“He was a fantastic person to be around. He was always full of jokes.

“I was speechless and in shock when I heard the news that he had died.

“We had played golf together recently and, as usual, he was on great form.

“He was a fantastic character and a real comedian.

“He will certainly be missed as he was a hugely popular person.

“He was only 54, which is no age at all.

“I spoke to a few of the other players from our team and they couldn’t believe it either.

“It is very sad.”

Celebrating Scottish Cup victory over Hearts in 1986