Ex-Dale man loses cancer battle aged just 28

Rochdale fans are rallying to raise funds for ex-hero Ernie Cooksey

Former Rochdale midfielder Ernie Cooksey has died aged 28 after losing his battle with skin cancer.

The popular ex-Oldham player fell into a coma earlier this week and he died during the early hours of yesterday morning (Thursday 3 July).

Ernie's family were at his bedside when he passed away. He leaves behind his wife Louise, who is expecting the couple's first child later this Summer.

Cooksey made 96 appearances in a Dale shirt, scoring eight goals. His proudest moment came when Dale faced Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup, the side Cooksey supported as a boy.

He was part of the side that narrowly missed out on the Play Offs in 2004-5. He proved himself to be an extremely popular player during his time with the club, with cries of “Ernie, Ernie, Ernie” accompanying his every touch.

During his time with Dale he formed one of the leading central midfield partnerships in the division alongside Gary Jones. Indeed, the pair were given that tag by Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters after one superb performance together. They clicked pretty much straight away and Cooksey established himself as a Cult Hero at Spotland.

He was a dogged little midfielder for Dale, who was surprisingly useful in the air, and there was always the chance of it spilling over when he was on the pitch. His battle with Shrewsbury’s Jamie Tolley was typical of the personal battles that accompanied his performances.

It was during his time with Dale that he first contracted Cancer. It was believed that he had battled his way through the disease, only for it to return earlier this year.