We learned yesterday of the death of Louis Rose. Although he didn’t play last season following the reappearance of the cancer that has now taken him from us, he had already been appointed captain and he remained in that position throughout the campaign. The team has therefore lost its captain, a man who personified all that it meant to lead a side that was consistently successful in recent league seasons.

Louis had two spells with Ware during which he made over 200 appearances for the club and became, along with brother Leigh, the epitome of the sort of dedicated player that Paul Halsey wanted at the core of his sides. The manager always felt that they both understood the importance of the club to its town.

For his part Leigh credits Louis for helping in his development from an early age. How fitting it was then that they both reached 200 appearances for the first team in the same match, a 4-2 win over arch rivals Hertford.

Outside of football Louis ran a successful company and it was only very recently that I saw his social media message outlining the arrangements he had made for its continuance without him at the helm. It was so matter of fact that I took it as just the prudent step of a manager undergoing treatment who cared about his company and its employees. It made the news of his death all the more shocking when it came.

The untimely loss of a loved one is something that most of us meet at some point in life so we should be able to appreciate the effect on those that are left. In Louis’ case he leaves a wife Hannah and three children not to mention a mother, sister and brother Leigh. The club extends its condolences to them all.

Louis Rose
Ware debut: 14th August 2012 vs Potters Bar Town
Position: Central Defence
Appearances: 220
Goals: 27