Ernie 4ever!

Reporter: Karen Doherty and Michael Yarwood
Date published: 13 August 2008


Fans united in emotional tribute to football hero

LATICS and Rochdale fans put footballing rivalries aside in an emotional tribute to Ernie Cooksey who died just weeks before the birth of his first child.

Fans at last night’s Carling Cup tie at Spotland stood for a rousing minute’s applause in honour of the midfielder who was a hugely popular player for both clubs.

Ernie lost his battle with cancer last month at the age of only 28.

Within a few days of his funeral his partner Louise gave birth to their daughter Isabella Georgia.

The poignant evening started when both teams walked out wearing special t-shirts bearing the No 4, which he wore for both Latics and Rochdale, and printed with “Ernie Cooksey — A True Gent”.

The 5,786 crowd included around 3,000 Latics supporters who were keen to remember Ernie. Louise also attended with Isabella and Ernie’s sister and father who were all presented with special football shirts.

Oldham Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “It was very emotional for both sets of fans. He became a legend at Oldham Athletic in a very short period of time and he had three years at Rochdale.

“Everybody wanted to show their support.

“Both sets of fans shouted Ernie’s name throughout the game. It shows the kind of person Ernie was to be loved by so many people on both sides of the fence.

“Amazingly, Ernie came on trial and his first real match was in a pre-season friendly against Rochdale, in 2003. From that day the fans really took to him.”

Mr Hardy spoke to Louise before the match which Latics won 4-1 on penalties after extra time, and added: “She was coping very, very well. I think she was surprised to see how much support, how much emotion was shown for Ernie.”

Ernie turned professional at the age 23 having worked in the building industry.

He joined Athletic during their crisis-hit summer of 2003 when the club hit financial difficulties, his passion and commitment making him a firm favourite. He later moved to Rochdale, Boston United and non-league Grays Athletic.

Fans were left stunned when he died last month after a battle against skin cancer.

Athletic fans are now keeping Ernie’s memory alive with a special flag which will be displayed at every home and away game this season and also at England internationals abroad.

Fans Sean Bradley and Martin Thomas organised the minute’s applause and were keen for the event to be a celebration.

Sean was friends with Ernie and said: “It was very emotional, he got a good send off. It was fantastic but obviously it was very sad because Ernie was so close to my heart.

“There was a good turn-out from the Oldham fans, about 3,000. They were all singing their hearts out and the Rochdale fans were as well. Ernie was such a nice lad. I think if he played for another country you would support him.”

Sean set up the Ernie Cooksey Treatment Fund to help the family which has raised more than £50,000. He now plans to give the proceeds to Louise and Isabella.

Before the match, Rochdale and Oldham fans walked from the Grey Mare pub, Royton, to Spotland, to raise money for the appeal.