Long-serving soccer journalist and broadcaster Mike Cockerill has died after a long illness.
Cockerill, 56, spent more than 30 years reporting on soccer in Australia, largely with Fairfax newspapers and Fox Sports.
He covered six World Cups, the A-League and three Olympic Games in a long association with the game.
In 2011, he was inducted into the Football Federation Australia Hall of Fame.
Former Socceroo Robbie Slater said he was a great contributor to the game.
“Mike was greatly respected,” Slater said on Fox Sports.
“A really top man. We pass on all our best to his family.
“He was a very, very special person to me. 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.”
Cockerill’s death comes a month after the passing of another well-known soccer pundit, Les Murray.
albatross
Roar Pro
Report of funeral here: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/hundreds-gather-to-farewell-football-writer-michael-cockerill-20170914-gyhr6f.html Seems like a good send off...
Magnificat
Guest
Sad news, his love of football transcended everything and his football promotion was second to none even if he counter-productively rubbed up some followers of other codes. Vale
Bondy
Guest
Its a shame they couldn't respect Mike and call him a football journalist which he was , I had been reading Mike's articles for over thirty years I was shocked and saddened by Mike's passing . Vale Mike .
Kangajets
Guest
Very sad indeed. Thanks for your passion mike
saul
Guest
Mayst thou live among the Football saints
Lionheart
Guest
Saddened when I heard this news pre-game last night. Mike Cockerill was a stalwart for football. I enjoyed reading his articles and will miss his analysis. Vale Mike, may the load be light for your family and close friends.
Griffo
Roar Guru
So sad to read this just now. Mike always had a football perspective and what it meant for the overall game.
Ken Spacey
Guest
Didn't know until read it a side comment in post about Japan loss. Because I live in an AFL mad town I used to collect the old Fairfax papers from the TAFE library (pre having net) to find out what was happening in football. Didn't always agree but had no doubt Mike was passionate, objective and well researched. With Johnny and Les up there we hope there is a version of Adelaide's La Trattoria for those long post match discussions that would go deep into the night. Vale Mike and thank you for flying the flag for the great game in the hard times.
steve
Guest
so sorry to learn of this news, Mike was absolutely a football person and enjoyed his dulcet tones on media, but also his writing...RIP and God Bless his family at this difficult time
Midfielder
Guest
Vale Mike... huge respect for the man he was a Football man to his boot straps and raised many critical aspects of the game... his support for the FFA Cup and second division was excellent... He was rare among Football journalist in that he wrote positively in the main, and was balanced in his assessment of most things. WE will miss him...
Nemesis
Guest
2017 is turning into the crappiest of years for Australian football fans. Mike Cockerill evoked mixed emotions from me. His commentating on FoxSports frustrated me immensely. But, I wholeheartedly cheered 90% of the opinion pieces he wrote. Regardless, one thing was certain - Mike Cockerill was a True Believer. And, now he's gone and Australian football will be diminished by his absence.
TK
Guest
Farewell Mike, and condolences to family and friends I always enjoyed reading his work and it is another sad loss of a stalwart football journo and way too young.
punter
Guest
RIP Mike & thanks for your support for the Beautiful game in this country.