Gillingham Football Club has sent their condolences to the family of former manager Neale Cooper, who died today, aged 54.

Cooper, who managed the club for a six-month spell in 2005, was found in the communal stairwell of the flats where he lived in the Bucksburn area of Aberdeen at 1.45am on Sunday.

He was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in a critical condition, where he later died.

Detective Inspector David Howieson said: “Police inquiries have been ongoing throughout the night to establish the full circumstances however the incident does not appear to be suspicious.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst we have dealt with the incident.”

Cooper was manager of the Gills between May and November 2005.

The club has said on Twitter: "Everyone at Gillingham FC is devastated to hear that former manager Neale Cooper has died at the age of 54.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with Neale's friends and family at this difficult time. #Gills"

In his youth, Cooper played for Aberdeen under Alex Ferguson, where he won two Premier Division championships and the Uefa Cup Winner's Cup.

As well as his brief spell at the Gillls, he also managed Ross County, Hartlepool United and Peterhead.