Former player and manager mourned

Evo-Stik Nothern Premier League Nantwich Town have sent their condolences to the family and friends of former player Ian Cooke who passed away last week.

A promising young local footballer who had been on the books of Manchester United before joining Nantwich Town, Cooke, pictured, was 53.

He made his Dabbers’ debut in the home win over Great Harwood in September 1983 when the club was in the North West Counties League.

A Dabbers spokesman said: "Ian was a great servant to Nantwich Town - playing for the club for many seasons and helping out the club by briefly taking on the managerial reins, jointly with Ernie Blunstone, in January 1986. Ian will be sadly missed and the club sends deepest condolences to his family at this very sad time."