FORMER Rochdale midfielder Ernie Cooksey died just five weeks before he was due to become a dad.

A fans’ favourite who never gave less than his all for the club, the 28-year-old had been suffering with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer.

His family and girlfriend, Louise, who is expecting their first baby in five weeks, were at his side in hospital when he died on Wednesday.

Rochdale manager Keith Hill paid tribute to his friend and former colleague.

Hill said: "I feel privileged to have known Ernie as a friend and an associate and my thoughts go to his family at this sad time.

"Ernie lived his life to the full and his enthusiasm and commitment was an example to us all.

"He loved life and endeavoured to make the most of himself.

"When working people pay their money to come through the turnstiles the very least they expect is hard work, and Ernie gave them that every time.

"He was a winner and his death is a terrible shame."

Dale chairman Chris Dunphy described Cooksey as a ‘true professional’.

He added: "I would like to send my condolences to Ernie’s family. He was a great character who was committed to the cause of Rochdale Football Club."

After signing for the Dale on a free transfer from local rivals Oldham Athletic in 2004, Cooksey made 100 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals.

He also played for non-league sides Crawley Town, Boston United and Grays Athletic.

He was diagnosed with cancer for a second time in February having successfully battled the disease the previous year.

Speaking to our sister paper, the Oldham Advertiser, at the time he said: "It’s a massive shock, devastating, you just don’t expect it."

When the illness became public, supporters rallied round in a bid to raise £50,000 needed to pay for treatment which could have extended his life.

Numerous race nights, sponsored runs and other events were held by fans, friends and family in Rochdale, Oldham and Grays.

In April, Grays Athletic staged a benefit match involving current and former players such as Leroy Lita, Nicky Shorey, Ray Parlour, Iain Dowie and Paul Merson.

The following month more than 1,500 fans attended Boundary Park to see the likes of former England internationals Luther Blissett, John Barnes and Chris Waddle, plus Coronation Street stars take part in another fundraiser.

Rochdale Supporters’ Trust board member Scott Goulding last spoke with Ernie after bumping into him at the play-off final in May.

He said: "It is devastating news and my sympathies go out to his family.

"I met Ernie on a number of occasions, at awards nights and functions, and he was one of football’s nice guys.

"He was a trier who gave everything for the club and that is why the fans adored him."

Former Oldham Athletic boss Iain Dowie, now manager at Queens Park Rangers, gave Ernie his first break in professional football when signing him from Crawley Town in 2003.

He said: "I feel there is a hole in my life now without that broad grin and infectious enthusiasm of the best player I have ever had the privilege to coach.

"He had an impact on everyone he came into contact with and he was a sincere and caring man.

"He found his soulmate with Louise and our hearts go out to her and all of Ernie’s family at this tragic time.

"My hope is that Ernie will be looking down on us now with that grin that I will never forget.

"I loved Ernie as a player but more as a man."

QPR’s performance coach John Harbin added: "Iain and I visited Ernie shortly before he passed away and all I can say is that everyone that knew him is going to miss him.

"He was a fantastic guy and the type of bloke you would want for a son.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time and I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone on offering our sincere condolences."

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