Hartlepool To Wear Special Kit As They Remember Cooper

This weekend’s friendly with Sunderland will commemorate the life of Neale Cooper, their former manager who tragically died last month.

National League Pools have re-named a stand at Victoria Park in his honour and this weekend will wear special kit.

Inspired by the shirt worn by their two-time manager during his successful spell with Aberdeen, the club say the design comes complete with a dedication to him and an embedded image of Cooper for all to see.

The Neale Cooper Stand has been sponsored by East Durham College and it will be unveiled when Sunderland visit this weekend.

"We want to make this Saturday memorable for everyone involved, and this extra tribute is just another way of showing how much Neale meant to the club,” chief executive Mark Maguire outlined on the club’s website.

"I have to thank BLK for their help and for generously donating the kit for this special occasion."

The shirts worn by the players will be made available for auction after pre-season.