Hartlepool United open online book of condolence to former boss Neale Cooper following tragic death

Hartlepool United fans will be able to pay tribute to former manager Neale Cooper following his sudden death by signing an online book of condolence, the club have announced.
Former Hartlepool United manager Neale Cooper.Former Hartlepool United manager Neale Cooper.
Former Hartlepool United manager Neale Cooper.

Cooper was admitted to hospital in a critical condition after a fall at his home in Aberdeen in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Fans from across the football community wished him well but it was sadly announced later yesterday that he had tragically lost his fight for life aged 54.

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Bosses at Hartlepool United have said that they will be opening a book of condolence for fans to pay their tributes to Cooper, one of Pools’ more popular managers in recent years.

A statement on the club's website read: "The Club is opening a Book of Condolence for former Manager Neale Cooper following his tragic passing at the age of 54 on Monday.

"There have been an enormous amount of tributes paid to the legendary Scot since the news and now we’re giving all supporters the chance to pay their respects in an online Book of Condolence."

Messages can be sent to [email protected] for use in the book.

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The Scot managed Pools during their most successful period in recent times, which ended in the club reaching the League One play-off final in 2005.

More than 16,000 Poolies travelled to the Millennium Stadium when the club came within minutes of reaching the Championship, but they eventually lost the game to Yorkshire club Sheffield Wednesday.

Cooper returned to the club for a short spell in 2011 and later returned to town to hold an Evening With event.

Fans have been leaving their messages to him on the Mail’s Facebook page since news of his passing broke.

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Barry Stevens wrote: “Heartbreaking news about Neale James Cooper passing.

“He was Pools gaffa when I was H’Angus The Monkey and he was always welcoming towards me, always stopped to talk to me and I always left with a smile on my face.

“RIP Coops it was a honour to know you.”

Angela Bunn-Close wrote: “RIP. Prayers said.”