In memoriam: Dickie Rooks

Scunthorpe United is saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Dickie Rooks, at the age of 83.

Born in Sunderland, he began his career with the Black Cats, spending eight seasons with the side between 1957 and 1965. The central defender, during that time, scored twice in 34 appearances.

He'd spend the next four years at Middlesbrough after transferring from Sunderland for £20,000, achieving promotion from the Third Division as runners-up in 1966-67. He'd make 136 appearances and score 14 goals during his stint there.

He'd cost Bristol City £17,000 in 1969 as he moved to his latest club, making 96 appearances in three years, scoring four times. Rooks left Bristol City in 1972 to become a player-coach at Willington.

His affiliation with the Iron would begin in December 1974, as he would be appointed as manager, which would last for 14 months before being sacked in January 1976. At just 34 years old when he took over, he arrived at a very difficult time in the club's history, with the team rooted to the bottom of the Fourth Division and cash-stricken, with no new signings available. It was inevitable that the side would be forced to seek re-election - one of only two times in the side's history.

Rooks then coached Zanzibar and was an FA Coach for Tyne and Wear, linked to Sunderland's School of Excellence.

When he retired from football, he became a self-employed builder in his home town.