FORMER Hartlepool United boss Neale Cooper admits his time at Victoria Park ranks as his best in football.

FORMER Hartlepool United boss Neale Cooper admits his time at Victoria Park ranks as his best in football.

Cooper, who left Pools in May 2005, was back at the club last month to see the 1-1 draw with Tranmere Rovers.

He left his post at Peterhead in the Scottish League earlier in the season and is currently looking for a new job in the game.

The former Aberdeen midfielder - he won the European Cup Winners Cup with the Dons under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1983 - said: "My time at Hartlepool was great, I loved every minute. When I first came no-one knew me.

"I applied, got a few interviews and then took everyone by suprise - but it was the best club I've ever worked with.

"We gave the fans exciting football, and a great couple of years. I've nothing but respect from them and the amount of letters and email and support is and was phenomenal.

"The first time I came to the town was when the deal was announced, it was all new to me. If people see your team working hard, they appreciate it.

"As a footballer I was passionate and caring - it's not an act, that's me.

Cooper led Pools into the play-offs in League One in 2004 and left with the side on the verge of them again the following year.

And his time at Victoria Park is laced with good memories.

"Going to Sunderland with 10,000 fans was immense and the crowd was fantastic all along, he reflected.

"From my first game, at Peterbrorough, it was all fantastic. That day we had a great turnaround and that was the catalyst for the season.

"It was a really good bunch of lads to work with. We beat Grimsby 8-1 at home - amazing. When it all kicks into place, the goals, the atmosphere, it was unreal.

"These things don't happen a lot and the place was buzzing and when Victoria Park is buzzing it's a great place to be.

He added: "We made some big signings, big Dimi Konstantopouolos was a real presence, lovely lad, very good keeper, we had him and Jim Provett, two good keepers.

"Joel Porter came and was fantastic and remember Shuggy Robertson scoring some fantastic goals. The way he struck a ball was frightening.

"We got the best out of the bunch, Boydy went to Boston to play, it was right for him to go and when he came back he was a revelation.

"I saw him the other week against Tranmere and he still has the touches.

Cooper is back in the town on Friday night for a talk in, hosted by Paul Gough and he admitted: "I miss the North-East, I made a lot of good friends there and it was so nice to come back and see folks again. We had a laugh with the boys in training and everyone enjoyed it, there was a good spirit and training was a high tempo and they enjoyed it and took it into matches.

"The summer I got the job we were favorites to be bottom and look at the way we ended! It's good to have a good team, but it's better to have a winning team.

"I came down for the Tranmere game on Good Friday and the people I bumped into, everyone at the club, people I'd not seen for years and it was like I'd only been here last week.

Cooper took over at Gillingham after his exit from Pools, moving back to Scotland after his time at the Preistfield Stadium failed to take off.

And now, after a few months away from the game, he is edging for a return to management.

"I'm having a nice break, after fours years at Peterhead. It's about recharging my batteries, he said.

"I was doing everything up there, commercial manager, team manager, and it was a part-time team which makes it difficult.

"Hopefully it's another string to my bow, doing the commercial work.

"I've done all my coaching badges. Now I see what jobs are available, home or aboard and get my humour back!

An Evening With Neale Cooper will take place at the Belle Vue Sports and Social Club, in Kendal Road, Hartlepool from 8pm on Friday.

Tickets, priced at £15 including supper, are available from Paul Gough at Goffy Media on 07990 588424 or from the Belle Vue Club 01429 273974.