Ernie Campaign (FAO all admins and mods)

[joelatics]

Hi everybody!

As you may know, an Oldham Athletic legend, Ernie Cooksey, died in the most tragic circumstances in July.

He developed the most serious kind of Malignant Melanoma [skin cancer], and died from it.

Why's this tragic? you're asking. I'll go on.

Ernie Cooksey

The story with Ernie is that he came to the club when we were being threatened by administration. We couldn't buy anyone, because we had no money and were on the brink of having no club. The only players we had left at the club were youth team players, those considered as not good enough for any professional club and unheard of's from 4 divisions below in the Non League. Ernie was one of them. He was probably offered a wage that was basically nothing. He did, however, take a massive pay cut, and made his debut vs Rochdale away, in a friendly.

He came on as a sub. He looked about 55, at least, but was only actually about 24 at the time. There has surely never been a player who has been taken by the fans as quickly as he did. By the time he'd reached his position in midfield, there was sporadic chants aimed at Ernie. ranging from "One Ernie Cooksey" to "Ernie for England." - It grew louder as the game progressed and we saw that despite him having absolutely no skill whatsoever, he ran for everything and played with passion and effort. All we ever asked of anyone in a season we were expected to be relegated. He played the rest of the match with a huge smile on his face - probably half because of the chants, and the added grin because he was happy he was at a professional club - be it one playing with a bunch of youth players.

He went onto other clubs and made a similar impact, taken by fans rather quickly because of his effort and determination he put in despite the clear lack of skill. The type of player who's very appreciated by fans of lower league teams, especially when there's a team full of players with the skill but a waste of effort and passion for the club.

n.b. I was at the game, but was too young to remember it, so Ive nicked that from the programme

He was only 28 when he died, and would certainly have played on for many more years.

The most tragic part of this story is the fact that, when he died, his wife was 8 month pregnant with his baby.

I know that most people never heard of him, but I thought that it may be a nice idea to have an Ernie Cooksey day on 3rd July (which is his anniversary) to remember him?

I totally understand if this isn't possible, but I'm trying my best to get this going on as many forums as possible.

I'd really appreciate anything from a total re skinning to a single banner on the general discussion board.

You can see the skin I've made here, and check out the resources I've made here

Many thanks, and if you have any questions, feel free to email me at joe.latics[at]hotmail.co.uk

Thanks.
KtF
Joe

[joelatics]

Hope you don't mind if I bump this

[joelatics]

I'd apreciate a responce from a staff member please

[ferimer5]

A rather noble approach to a cause. A day dedicated to one person seems almost insufficient a reason for a day to be made after, when the person in question, regardless his achievements and or personality did not and was not campaigning for a cause.

There are days in countries that celebrate the achievements of a particular person who was faced with a disease and still managed to do something such as run from coast to coast.

Presidents day - Presidency, the ultimate goal for some, one of the hardest and proudest jobs for an American citizen to accomplish. Presidents day celebrates the extent of all Presidents, not an individual president.

I can see an effective cause towards skin cancer, that indicates individuals who have been plagued the effects of cancer.

I cannot however see the Ernie Cooksey cause altar this community. Of course those who were effected by Ernie Cooksey and his affairs will.