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Former Hartlepool United manager Neale Cooper has died at the age of 54.

The ex-Pools boss was in a critical condition after being found seriously injured in the communal stairwell of flats where he lives in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Cooper - who was part of the Aberdeen team which lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983 dubbed the “Gothenburg Greats” - was taken for treatment at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

But the football club have since confirmed the 54-year-old died on Monday evening.

Aberdeen posted on their official Twitter account: “The club is deeply shocked and saddened to hear that our legendary midfielder and Gothenburg Great, Neale Cooper has tragically passed away.”

Hartlepool United paid tribute to their former manager, posting the club has been left “heartbroken” by the news.

(Image: Daily Record)

The club posted: “Everyone at Hartlepool United is absolutely devastated to hear that former boss Neale Cooper has died at the age of 54.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family and friends at this time.

“We are heartbroken.”

Police are investigating the cause of injuries which are not believed to be suspicious.

Detective Inspector David Howieson said: “Police inquiries were ongoing throughout the night to establish the full circumstances, however the incident does not appear to be suspicious.

Another former Aberdeen star Joe Harper - who regards Neale as one of his best friends - said he had spoken to the former midfield star’s family. He said: “The whole family is devastated.

“The police are looking at CCTV but it does seem like an accident, that he fell down some stairs and hit his head on the concrete.”

Cooper made his name as a prolific striker during Aberdeen’s glory years under Alex Ferguson. He became a key player in the team that won two titles, four Scottish Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1983.

(Image: Daily Record)

He later played for Rangers, Aston Villa, and Reading.

Cooper cut his teeth in management Scottish minnows Ross County and led them to two successive promotions before taking over as boss of Hartlepool in June 2003 when they were newly elevated to division two.

Popular Cooper guided them into the play-offs in his first season but they lost in the semi-finals to Bristol City having leaked two late goals.

His second season saw Hartlepool fall just a point short of the play-off place before he resigned for family reasons.