Hundreds of tributes to Aberdeen FC legend Neale Cooper have been placed outside the club’s homeground.
The Gothenburg Great died on Monday aged 54 after being found in the stairwell of a block of flats in the Bucksburn area of Aberdeen on Sunday morning.
The news prompted an outpouring of grief across the city and wider Scotland.
And Dons fans have been laying tributes to the former midfielder, who played a key role in Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering 1983 Aberdeen side which won the European Cup-Winners Cup and the Super Cup in the same year.
Scarves, flowers and messages have been left outside Pittodrie in recent days, with the club also flying their flag at the stadium at halfmast in his memory.
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) May 29, 2018
Ross County, a club Cooper both played for and managed, followed suit.
The 3rd Division Championship flag flies at half-mast above the West Stand in memory of Neale Cooper, who sadly passed away yesterday. #Staggies pic.twitter.com/OgObqLg4q0
— Ross County FC (@RossCounty) May 29, 2018
A midfielder, Cooper’s playing career included stints at both Rangers and Dunfermline.
Aberdeen FC photographer Scott Baxter said: “Just nipped down to Pittodrie. The love is real.”
Just been to Pittodrie to lay a scarf and give my respect to a wonderful man and player. RIP Tattie. There will be another heavenly dancer in the sky tonight. 💔 @AberdeenFC pic.twitter.com/aeCoDhSE6j
— Mitch Cruickshank (@mcrooky37) May 29, 2018
Just nipped down to #Pittodrie The love is real. #AberdeenFC #StandFree #Legend pic.twitter.com/JZAkBhoHrX
— Scott Baxter (@scottscb) May 29, 2018
💬 "He was more like a son to me than he was a friend."
Joe Harper paying tribute to his close friend, Neale Cooper
📝 Read the full tribute ➡ https://t.co/rGbZqeDgKm
🎥 Watch ➡ https://t.co/VsDvdIJBVQ #StandFree pic.twitter.com/2jFOEUThCi— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) May 29, 2018
Confirming the news on Monday, Aberdeen FC said: “The club is deeply shocked and saddened to hear that our legendary midfielder and Gothenburg Great, Neale Cooper has tragically passed away.”
