Fans Say Farewell To Neale Cooper

Around 4,500 Dons fans packed the Richard Donald Stand on Friday evening to say an emotional farewell to Neale Cooper.

Cooper, who helped the Dons clinch the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983, passed away on May 28 after being found injured in a stairwell at a block of flats in Aberdeen.

Aberdeen fan and BBC Sportsound presenter, Richard Gordon looked after proceedings and was joined by friends and family on stage along with heroes from the footballing world including tributes from Joe Harper, Willie Miller, Alex McLeish, Craig Brown, Archie Knox and Andy Dornan.

Neale’s son, Alex Cooper, nephew Doug Blake, fan Jock Gardiner and childhood friend Paul Alexnder also brough tears to the eyes of supporters with their memories of the former Airyhall Primary and Hazlehead Academy pupil.

Tributes, which included football shirts, scarves and banners, as well as numerous flowers, were lined up in the ground as well as flower displays carrying the messages“Stand Free” and “RIP” Tattie.

Amid the sadness were plenty of smiles as fans heard tales from the former Dons star’s life, with many speakers greeted with cheers and prolonged applause.

The event also included videos of Neale, and included his recent appearance at the Gothenburg Greats night on May 11, as well as excerpts from interviews and press calls over the years.

Images spanned his entire career, including his famous goal against Rangers in the 1982 Scottish Cup final, and his time as manager for Ross County and Hartlepool Utd.

At the end of the night, applause rang out from Pittodrie, as 220 red and white balloons were releases into the sky above Pittodrie, each symbolising the 220 games Cooper played for the club.

You can watch the tribute to Neale Cooper again on RedTV.