HARTLEPOOL UNITED will wait before deciding on how former boss Neale Cooper will be permanently remembered at Victoria Park.

The popular Scot, 54, died in Aberdeen on Monday following a fall in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Steve Patterson, a former Aberdeen manager, has said that Pittodrie, the Dons home, will be the only place big enough in the city able to accommodate everyone who will want to pay their respects.

Cooper was part of the Aberdeen side which beat Real Madrid to win the 1983 European Cup Winners Cup.

The Dons have received a letter from the Spanish giants expressing their sadness at the news of his death.

And, while Pools have opened an online book of condolence as floral tributes are laid at Victoria Park, a number of suggestions have been proposed on social media by fans to recognise Cooper’s achievements and huge popularity.

Among them are a friendly between Aberdeen and Pools, the clubs where he made the biggest impression, and the option of renaming part of the ground in his name.

While a number of staff at the club were close to Cooper from his two spells in charge of the team, officials will wait before making a decision on how to recognise his standing.

The club’s new chief executive Mark Maguire admitted: “First of all, and most importantly, on behalf of the club and myself our condolences go out to Neale's family and friends.

“I came into the office and there were a number of heartbroken staff because he was a hugely popular character around the place. Some of the stories had people in tears one minute and giggles the next.

“He was clearly and incredible character who had a significant interest on Hartlepool United Football Club.’’

Maguire added: “The message to fans, to everyone on social media and beyond is that we will be open to anything in terms of the best way to commemorate Neale, his time at Hartlepool United, and him as a man.

“It is hugely important we are guided by the family. We must take some time to find out what their wishes and we must show them support in what is a very difficult time.

“We are open to anything, but we will be respectful of the family's wishes.’’

Paterson has admitted: “I honestly don’t think there will be a church in Aberdeen big enough to hold all the people that would want to turn out to honour an Aberdeen legend like Neale, perhaps they should think about holding the service at Pittodrie.’’

Maguire has joined Pools after leaving Chester earlier in the year. He has also previously held the chief executive roles at Stockport and Hull City.

He arrives as Pools under a new regime, with Raj Singh chairman after his takeover.

And, while the previous two chairman and owners oversaw two seasons of failure and financial woe, Maguire is confident of turning the club’s fortunes around on and off the pitch.

“All that we can promise the fans and staff is honesty and integrity,’’ he said. “And the moment I came in the door and spoke to staff, they talked about promises being made and they would wait to trust me on what I was saying.

“Fans and staff and anyone with an interest in the club should act in how we act, the honesty and integrity in what we do and our performance over a period of time. It’s time for straight-talking in that regard. Let’s be fairly judged on how we do and all we want honesty, integrity and an understanding.’’

Maguire has been happy with the reaction since the season ticket prices were revealed last week and admitted: "Without how the fans reacted last season, the club wouldn't be here any more.

"They proved that the way they turned out that incredible day against Wrexham and all their fund-raising activities.

"They literally saved the club so it is time we rewarded them.

"All I can promise them is that everyone will be pulling in the same direction with the best interests of the club at heart and not the interests of individuals.’’

Pools are close to confirming the signings of Andrew Davies, the former Middlesbrough defender from Ross County and midfielder Neal Bishop after his release from Scunthorpe.

And Macguire added: “We have a fantastic chairman with a point to prove in taking a football club to a higher level, supported by Jeff Stelling and helped by Craig Hignett and Matthew Bates who have formed a great partnership already.

“We have staff here who are steeped in the history and working together in an honest way we are challenging each other on a day to day basis and I can see things improving very quickly.’’