Last November, Brentford Football Club - and the wider football world - were devastated to learn of the unexpected and sudden death of Technical Director Robert Rowan due to a fatal cardiomyopathy episode. Robert, who would have been 29 earlier this month, had been with the Club since late 2014 and was appointed as Head of Football Operations in the summer of 2015. As well as managing the day to day football operations at our Jersey Road Training Ground, Robert oversaw the strategic direction of Brentford B - the Club’s elite squad of players aged 17 to 21, before taking on the role of Technical Director just before his death.
At our game against Stoke City today, Saturday 21 September, we welcome members of Robert’s family and his friends to Griffin Park as together we continue to raise awareness of cardiomyopathy as well as promote the screening and research conducted by Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. Since its formation in 1995, CRY has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY, which has former player, manager and Chief Scout Andy Scott as a patron, supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD.
For more information on CRY, click here and supporters can donate online here. Ahead of CRY’s fundraising efforts on Saturday, Brentford FC travelled to Robert’s hometown of Kirkaldy, Scotland, to visit his family and friends. Watch our documentary on Robert’s life and legacy below.