Memories of Cooper are ‘everywhere’ at Pittodrie – Simpson

The memories of Aberdeen legend Neale Cooper are “everywhere” inside Pittodrie, insists his close friend and fellow Gothenburg Great Neil Simpson.

In celebrating the 40th anniversary of Aberdeen’s European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph last week, the absence of club great Cooper was deeply felt.

Cooper passed away on May 28 2018 at the age of just 54.

Affectionately known as “Tattie”, he was a key part of the team that beat Real Madrid 2-1 in 1983 to conquer Europe.

At the recent Pittodrie event where the Gothenburg Greats received the freedom of the city of Aberdeen a chair was set aside on stage for Cooper.

A red Aberdeen shirt with the legend’s name and number – four – was draped over the chair.

Simpson came through the Aberdeen FC youth academy with Cooper and both conquered Europe.

While head of the Dons’ youth academy, he wanted to deliver a lasting tribute to his friend.

So he ensured the club’s youth player of the year trophies were named in honour of the Gothenburg Great.

The player of the year from each age group spanning the under-10s squad to the under-16s now receives the Neale Cooper Trophy.

Now Aberdeen’s pathways manager, Simpson said: “When I was involved with the academy we had the player of the year awards.

“I wanted to make the end of season awards the Neale Cooper awards.

“Neale’s memory is not just in your head, it is everywhere.

“When you are walking round Pittodrie and from the youth all the way to the chairman and the board of directors.”

Cooper won the European Cup Winners’ Cup with Aberdeen when he was just 19 years old.

He would go on to win the Uefa Super Cup with the Dons later in 1983.

In a glittering Pittodrie career the midfielder also claimed two league titles, four Scottish Cups and a League Cup.

Cooper’s legacy is felt throughout the Granite City with a Cruyff court named in his honour.

Opened at Tullos Primary School in November 2019, the £300,000 community sports facility is the second Cruyff court in the city. The Neale Cooper Court is also supported by the Denis Law Legacy Trust.

Fellow Gothenburg Great John Hewitt, who scored the winner against Real Madrid, also progressed from the youth ranks with Cooper.

Hewitt accepted the freedom of the city of Aberdeen award at the Pittodrie ceremony on behalf of his close friend.

Hewitt said: “We miss Neale because I could guarantee he would have had every person in that stand laughing.

“We will never forget him.”

Neil Simpson, extreme right, and his fellow Gothenburg Greats applaud at Pittodrie on Friday as their absent pal is remembered.