Headley: Cooper's the man we need

Last updated : 09 August 2005 By Simon Head

Cooper: Has the pedigree and the track record to take the Gills back up

Of the four shortlisted names in the frame, Neale Cooper was my first choice by a distance. His record at Ross County in Scotland was superb, and he proved that he can do the business south of the border by helping take Hartlepool United to within an ace of the playoffs before his controversial departure before the end of the season.

Many fans will know that Cooper was Hartlepool's boss this season, but many will know little of his track record and pedigree. Any fans saying "Neale who?" will be pleased to know that we've secured the services of a manager genuine quality and vast experience within the game.

Cooper had a superb career as a player, spanning 20 years. During that time he picked up three Scottish League titles, four Scottish Cups, two League Cups, a European Cup-Winners' Cup and a European Super Cup. His most successful period as a player was during his time at Aberdeen, where he was part of the legendary Dons side that took European honours under the stewardship of a certain Alex Ferguson. He also went on to play for Aston Villa, Glasgow Rangers and Ross County, where he eventually became manager.

While at Ross County, he took the Staggies from Scottish Division Three to Scottish Division One with successive promotions, before a poor run of results saw him leave the club in November 2002.

He moved south to join Hartlepool United in what was a shock appointment at the time after previous manager Mike Newell departed after getting Pool promoted to League One.

However, Cooper turned a team of relegation candidates into playoff contenders and after a near-miss last season, he took them there this time round. He actually left the club 'by mutual consent' with two games of the season to go, but his legacy continued and Pool now go into the weekend as League One playoff finalists.

Cooper was a hugely popular and respected figure with the Hartlepool fans:

Talking to the North East press, Ian Malcolmson, co-editor of the Monkey Business fanzine, said, "I thought Cooper was brilliant, the guy came in and worked wonders.

"Most of the fans at the start of the season would have been happy with 14th or 15th and to be going for the play-offs again and promotion to the Championship is over-achieving.

"I wish Cooper well, he's done really well and is a top manager."

During his time at Hartlepool, he managed the team in 110 matches, winning 48 and drawing 26, averaging 1.5 points per match at League One level. That sort of pedigree will be much-needed at Priestfield this coming season.

Neale Cooper was my first choice from the shortlist, I'm delighted at the prospect of us securing his services and with him at the helm, I feel as optimistic about the coming season as I would if Stan Ternent had stayed.