Ernie Cooksey

Who was Ernie Cooksey?

Ernest George Cooksey was an English footballer, who was described as a utility player. He could play as a left-sided defender and midfielder as well as in a central-midfield role. He started as a trainee with Colchester United, before joining non-League clubs Heybridge Swifts, Bishop's Stortford, Chesham United and Bromley. In 2002, he joined Southern Football League Premier Division side Crawley Town before turning professional with Football League side Oldham Athletic in 2003.

He then moved to Rochdale in 2004 and Boston United in 2007, totalling 140 appearances in the Football League over a four-year period. He dropped down back into non-League football, joining Conference National club Grays Athletic, making 19 league appearances.

Cooksey had a form of skin cancer removed from his back in 2006, but was diagnosed with a recurrence of a malignant melanoma in February 2008. He died in the early hours of 3 July 2008, aged 28.