A minute's silence will be held before all Blue Square Premier League games this weekend in tribute to Grays Athletic midfielder Ernie Cooksey, who sadly died of cancer at the age of 28 last month.

The former Crawley Town, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale and Boston United player made over 150 first-team appearances during his all too brief career and played for the Pilgrims when they faced Wrexham at The Racecourse on the final day of the 2006-07 season.

He was a dogged little midfielder, who was surprisingly useful in the air, and there was always the chance of it spilling over when he was on the pitch.

It was during his time with Dale that he first contracted cancer. It was believed that he had battled his way through the disease, only for it to return earlier this year.

"Ernie will always be fondly remembered by all those who he came in contact with," explained a Grays' club statement.

"On the pitch Ernie always gave 100% and was a true gentleman off the pitch, he always found time to talk with the fans and has made many friends.Our thoughts and prayers are with Ernie's partner Louise and family at this sad time."

All connected with Wrexham FC would echo those sentiments.