Normally, I do not pick up my mobile when I don’t recognise the number. Providentially, I did so just after midday on Monday 12 November 2018. Upon answering, I recognised the mild Geordie accent immediately, but I had never heard this voice sound so sad before.
‘Stuart, its Phil here from the club. I’ve got some bad news I’m afraid. … Rob died last night. Could you please come in tomorrow to be there when I tell everyone?’
The next day, 70 or so staff and players at Championship club Brentford FC gathered to hear shocking news. Their friend, colleague – and for many, mentor and inspiration – Rob Rowan had died suddenly. He was the club’s technical director who set the strategy for football development. He had helped launch the career of many young players. He was just 28.
