Ernie won the hearts of fans

ERNIE COOKSEY, who this week lost his battle against cancer at the age of 28, helped bring a much-needed smile to Athletic during one of the most difficult periods in the club’s history.

It was back in the summer of 2003 that the midfield man arrived on trial at Boundary Park with the club facing their darkest financial hour and about to enter administration.

Cooksey’s battling qualities and infectious enthusiasm quickly endeared him to the fans from the moment he caught the eye in a pre-season friendly against Rochdale.

And that helped earn him a two-year contract - though he had to take a pay cut because he earned more from his day job as a dry liner in the building trade and playing non-league for Crawley Town.

Money never came into the equation as Cooksey, who had been recommended by manager Iain Dowie’s brother Bob, simply wanted to live the dream of being a professional footballer.

He had been a trainee at Colchester United but, like so many youngsters, failed to make the grade.

He had spells with Bob Dowie at Chesham and at Crawley Town before Athletic came knocking at the door.

He quickly became a favourite at Boundary Park and 2003/04 season saw Cooksey make 47 appearances and score six goals.

But a change of management saw a change of fortune as Cooksey was told by Brian Talbot he did not figure in his plans and his contract was paid up in September 2004 when he signed for neighbours Rochdale.

Cooksey had almost two-and-half years at Spotland before spending half a season at Boston United. He made a total of 171 Football League, scoring 14 goals.

He returned to non-league football last summer when he joined Blue Square Premier club Grays Athletic, making 19 appearances for them in the early part of the campaign before being diagnosed with a recurrence of the malignant melanoma which he thought had been successfully treated some years earlier.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy paid tribute to Cooksey on behalf of the club.

He said: “When Ernie joined us in 2003 we were about to enter administration and it was a desperate time at the club. But he was such a bubbly character that he managed to lift the team and the fans.

“I will always remember him as a chirpy character who had an infectious personality. Everybody at the club was sorry to hear the sad news that he had died.”

Barry Owen, chairman of Trust Oldham, said: “Ernie was a popular player with the fans and greatly respected. He was a credit to his profession and will always be remembered with affection.

“Our condolences go out to all his family and we hope his memory remains with Oldham fans for a long time to come.”




ERNIE’S family has given its blessing for the fund-raising activities which were launched to pay for his treatment to continue.



The money raised will be given to partner Louise, who is expecting their child in the next few weeks.

An Audience With Andy Ritchie takes place at St Anne’s RL Club on Sunday (1pm) when Frank Bunn, Chris Killen and Blackburn Rovers’ David Dunn will also be attending.

Tickets are £10 from Carl Spiers (07716 845511) though any remaining will be on sale on the door.

Spiers is also behind the sponsored walk from Oldham to Leeds United’s Elland Road for the match on Saturday, August 16. He already has six walkers signed up and is looking for a team of 20 which will leave Oldham town centre at midnight on the night before the game.