Hammers scout sadly passes

West Ham scout Robbie Cooke has sadly passed away after losing his battle with cancer.

The 64-year-old was a long term trusted advisor and friend of David Moyes.

Cooke began his football career in the youth system at Mansfield Town but went on to play for  Grantham, Peterborough United, Luton Town, Cambridge United, Brentford, Millwall, Kettering Town and non-league Northampton Spencer, Bourne Town as England’s C team.

Cooke had a spell as player-coach at Southern League Midland Division club Grantham Town during the 1991–92 season. After his retirement from football, Cooke became manager at Eastern Counties League First Division club Warboys Town and returned to Kettering Town to become assistant manager and first-team coach.

Cooke was invited to become a part-time scout for Preston North End by David Moyes. Cooke subsequently followed Moyes to Everton in 2002 and Manchester United in 2013, serving as chief scout at both clubs. In November 2014, Cooke was appointed to the role of UK and International Scout at Burnley later re-joining David Moyes at West Ham on his return to the Hammers. He is credited as being the first one to scout and recommend Tomas Soucek to West Ham.

Rest in peace Robbie, Claret and Hugh send our condolences to his friends and family at this sad time.