Neale Cooper has died in hospital in Aberdeen.

The former Hartleoool United boss was found at the foot of a stairwell at flat in Aberdeen in the early hours of Sunday morning.

It is understood he suffered a heart attack. He was on a life support machine in hospital, but passed away earlier this afternoon.

Cooper, 54, had two spells in charge at Pools and between 2003-05 he led the club to new heights in League One and earned hero status at Victoria Park.

He returned to Pools in 2011 and was replaced in 2012.

On Twitter the club said: 

“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.”

Cooper's death is not being treated as suspicious but police inquiries are continuing and they have appealed for help in tracing a taxi driver who drove Cooper from the city centre shortly before he was found.

Cooper, another man and two women were picked up by a male taxi driver at around 00:30 on Sunday at Union Street, near Chapel Street.

They were all dropped off at Ferguson Court in Bucksburn. Cooper was found at around 1.45am and taken to hospital.

Craig Hignett, Pools' director fo football tweeted: "Devastated to hear the sad news, a top man who will always be a legend at pools. Rest in peace Neale, my thoughts are with Neale’s family and friends x "