NEALE Cooper is in the frame for a return to Aberdeen - this time as manager.

The Hartlepool United boss is under consideration for vacant position at Pittodrie after the sacking of Steve Paterson yesterday.

The Dons have appointed Willie Miller to make the decision, the club's former skipper has joined Aberdeen's board of directors with executive responsibility for football.

Miller was part of the all-conquering Dons team of the early 1980s alongside Cooper and is well aware of the impressive job his former teammate is carrying out at Victoria Park.

Cooper cut his managerial teeth in the north of Scotland, taking Ross County from the Highland League to the verge of the SPL - a job which earned him respect in Scotland.

But it is in the last year that Cooper's managerial stock has risen as he took Pool to within three minutes of the Division Two play-off final in his first season in English football.

Cooper yesterday flew to Spain for a short break, after announcing his Victoria Park retained list.

He is planning for next season with Pool, but would find the lure of a return home tough to turn down - just like Chris Turner left Victoria Park for Sheffield Wednesday in November 2002.

Miller said: ''We need someone on board as soon as we can but the most important thing is that we get the right team on board.

''But the sooner we get them here the better to allow them to make the move to strengthen the team for next season.''

Eric Black, sacked by Coventry last month, is also in the frame. He played in the same Dons side as Cooper and Miller.

* Rushden and Diamonds have signed Tranmere striker Alex Hay, Bury forward Gareth Seddon and ex-Wimbledon defender Rob Gier.

* Notts County have completed the signing of Matthew Gill after he was released by Peterborough.

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