Fairfax Media football columnist Michael Cockerill has died aged 56.
Cockerill, a former Sydney Morning Herald chief football writer and Fox Sports commentator, had reported on football in Australia for more than three decades.
In 2011, he was inducted into the Football Federation of Australia Hall of Honour, for outstanding off-field contributions to football.
Cockerill’s death was publicly announced on Fox Sports on Thursday night.
Tributes have flowed for the “superb” journalist, with friends, colleagues and football players mourning his loss.
On Twitter, the Socceroos said they were “shocked and saddened” to learn of Cockerill’s passing.
We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Cockerill. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Vale.
— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos)
August 31, 2017
Ray Gatt, the chief football writer for The Australian, lamented the loss of “a giant of journalism”.
Terrible news regarding Mike Cockerill. Wonderful journalist, great man. Superb football man. We’ve lost a giant of journalism.
— Ray Gatt (@Gatty54)
August 31, 2017
SBS football commentator and Sun Herald columnist Craig Foster said Cockerill had been a “great servant to the game”.
Very sorry to hear about Mike Cockerill just now. Thoughts with his loved ones. Great servant to the game over many decades. Sad times
— Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster)
August 31, 2017
Robbie Fowler, a legendary former striker for Liverpool FC, said he was thinking of Cockerill’s friends and family.
Fox Sports football commentator Robbie Slater had an emotional tribute to the “greatly-respected” Cockerill, who he described as “a really top man”.
“He was a very, very special person to me,” Slater said.
“I’ve known him since I was 17. It’s a huge shock to me. He was doing the FFA Cup only four weeks ago and he’s been struck down. It happened very, very quickly.”
More to come
