Brentford technical director Robert Rowan dies aged 28, club announce

Brentford have announced that technical director, Robert Rowan, has died at the age of 28.

Rowan joined the west London club in 2014 and was promoted to head of football operations within a year.

He oversaw the day to day operations at the club's training ground as well as the Brentford B side, before also taking responsibility for the scouting programme when made technical director in February of this year.

A club statement read: "Brentford Football Club has to report the sad news that Robert Rowan died at the age of 28 on Monday, 12 November.

"All at the Club have been left devastated by the news. All our thoughts are with Robert’s wife, his family and all his friends – many of whom work at Brentford FC."

Outgoing chief executive, Mark Devlin, said on Twitter: "We are all simply devastated with this news.

"Rob was a terrific man and a great character around the Club. We will all miss him greatly & will do all we can to support Rob's family at this incredibly difficult time. Our deepest condolences go to all of Rob's family and friends."