We have this morning been advised that our former midfielder Ernie Cooksey passed away in the night having finally lost his battle against the cancer known as Malignant Melanoma. His family and girlfriend Louise, who is expecting their first baby in 5 weeks, were at his side in the hospital.

Everyone at Rochdale Football Club is terribly saddened by this news and our thoughts, prayers and best wishes go to his family at this tragic time.

Rest in Peace Ernie