Non league clubs express sadness in tribute after learning the death of 46 year old former footballer Aaron Cook.
He started out at Portsmouth, before going to Crystal Palace on loan, then spent much of his career in non league, playing for the likes of Havant & Waterlooville, Bashley, Salisbury, Newport, Eastleigh, Gosport, Bemerton Heath Harlequins, and Moneyfields.
On the 4th of June 2026, it was confirmed that Cook had passed away after a battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with his family, wife and three young children, his friends, and those who knew him, at this tough time.
Salisbury FC wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we learn of the passing of former Salisbury captain Aaron Cook.
“Aaron was more than just a player. He was a leader, a warrior, and a huge part of one of the most successful periods in our club’s history. Making over 180 appearances for Salisbury, Aaron was the rock at the heart of the defence and a true captain in every sense of the word. His commitment, passion and determination helped shape the club during a memorable era that so many supporters still cherish today.
“Respected by teammates, staff and fans alike, Aaron embodied everything that Salisbury Football Club stands for. His leadership on the pitch, his dedication to the badge and his never-say-die attitude made him a favourite among the Whites faithful and a player whose legacy will live on for generations to come.
“Today, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Aaron’s family, friends and former teammates at this incredibly difficult time.
“Thank you for the memories, Skipper. Thank you for everything you gave to our football club.
“You will forever be a part of Salisbury Football Club.
“Rest in Peace, Aaron Cook. 🖤🤍
“RIP Skipper. Forever a White.”
It is with immense sadness that we learn of the passing of former Salisbury captain Aaron Cook.Aaron was more than just a player. He was a leader, a warrior, and a huge part of one of the most successful periods in our club’s history. Making over 180 appearances for Salisbury,… pic.twitter.com/3ULeuJeLlc
— Salisbury FC (@SalisburyFC) June 4, 2026
Gosport Borough FC: “The club is saddened to announce the passing of former captain, Aaron Cook.
“He was a key part of the side that won promotions in 2012/13 & 2013/14, taking the side to step 2 for the first time in the club’s history.
“A leader on the pitch and a great man off of it. RIP Aaron 💛”
Eastleigh FC tweeted: “Eastleigh Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Aaron Cook.
“Aaron made 20 appearances for the Spitfires during the 2009/10 campaign.
“Our thoughts are with Aaron’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
Havant & Waterlooville FC wrote: “Havant and Waterlooville Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of, former Hawk, Aaron Cook.
“The Welsh Defender joined the Hawks in 1999 following his departure from neighbours Portsmouth. Cook went on to make just under a century of appearances in Hawks colours over his few year stint with us in PO9 and boasted an excellent career locally in the game.
“The thoughts of all of us at Havant & Waterlooville are with Aaron’s loved ones, friends and all affected by such tragic news.
“Rest in Peace Aaron 🤍💙”
Bishops Waltham FC: “RIP COOKIE – Bishops Waltham Dynamos are heartbroken to announce that one of our own, Aaron “Cookie” Cook has sadly passed, after a battle with Cancer.
“We send all our love and strength to his wife Suzanne and his 3 young children 😔♥️
“There will never be another Cookie ⚡️”
RIP COOKIE
Bishops Waltham Dynamos are heartbroken to announce that one of our own, Aaron “Cookie” Cook has sadly passed, after a battle with Cancer.
We send all our love and strength to his wife Suzanne and his 3 young children 😔♥️
There will never be another Cookie ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/tPdUm2HED3
— Bishops Waltham FC (@BW_Dynamos) June 4, 2026
Bemerton Heath Harlequins: “The club is deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of our former assistant manager and player Aaron Cook.
“Aaron joined the club towards the end of his playing career in 2013 and featured 78 times for Bemmy.
“Aaron returned to our club as part of Shaun Hale’s management team and helped us achieve back to back promotions. Aaron continued to assist Shaun in the Southern league and demonstrated great leadership skills off the pitch just like he had on it throughout his playing career.
“Aaron will be missed by many, and at this difficult time, our thoughts and condolences are with Aaron’s family, friends and former teammates and staff members. RIP Cookie 🖤🤍🧡”
Aaron returned to our club as part of Shaun Hale’s management team and helped us achieve back to back promotions. Aaron continued to assist Shaun in the Southern league and demonstrated great leadership skills off the pitch just like he had on it throughout his playing career. pic.twitter.com/Jsqqzqw8Nn
— Bemerton Heath Harlequins (@BemertonHeathFC) June 4, 2026
Havant and Waterlooville Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of, former Hawk, Aaron Cook.
The Welsh Defender joined the Hawks in 1999 following his departure from neighbours Portsmouth. Cook went on to make just under a century of appearances in Hawks… pic.twitter.com/4ysamDn86T
— Havant & Waterlooville FC (@HWFCOfficial) June 4, 2026
COOK’S CAREER:
Senior1998–1999 – Portsmouth1999 → Crystal Palace (loan)1999–2002 – Havant & Waterlooville2002–2004 – Bashley2004–2008 – Salisbury City2008–2009 → Newport County (loan)2009–2010 – Eastleigh2010–2013 – Gosport Borough2013–2015 – Bemerton Heath Harlequins2015– Moneyfields
International2003–2011 – Isle of Wight
Non league clubs and the community also express sadness in tribute after the death of 46 year old former footballer Aaron Cook…
@mickcatlin1: @GosportBFC Sad to announce the passing of former Captain Aaron Cook. He captained the team to two promotions getting the Club to step 2 for the first time in the Clubs History. A born leader, dependable & one hell of a footballer. More importantly a great friend. RIP mate 💛💙💔
@pearce006: Rest easy Skip! 😢😢🫶
@KHall1992: Awful news! R.I.P Aaron 😔
@Nonleaguerobber: RIP Cookie , Terrible news , A top player and an even better lad . 😞 x
@mickcatlin1: RIP Cookie 💔
@BenjoPompey:Ex Pompey youngsterSadOnly 46#pompey
@uxfc_redarmy: We are very sorry to hear this. Sending condolences to all who knew and loved Aaron from all of us at Uxbridge
@SteveHarding_: Sad news, too young to go R.I.P
@James81881382: RIP 🙏
@TommyWidd: I’m away with family on a break but heard this terrible news this morning. So sad, A real leader and loved by players staff and fans alike. Thoughts are with Aaron’s nearest and dearest at this time. 🙏❤️ RIP Skip
@Erks37: Played against Aaron a few times. Proper leader. RIP. Thoughts are with family 🙏
@BallsandBeans: Dreadfully sad news. A fantastic player and one of my favourites. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP Aaron, sleep easy 🖤 🤍.
@Browner1971: Devastating news. I can’t believe it. It was a pleasure to know you and play alongside you. 20 years ago seems like yesterday. RIP Skip 🤍
@jasonsmall1975: R.I.P from everyone @afc_stoneham
What a bloke. Took us under his wing and was a class act. Rest easy Skip 💛💙😢 https://t.co/wnc9x0Nh6w pic.twitter.com/VHHeeiEaNB
— Rory Williams (@Rory27Will) June 4, 2026
Sad to read this, had a few battles with Aaron back in the day during his Newport and Salisbury days. A proper captain whose leadership was clear every time he stepped onto the pitch. RIP pic.twitter.com/GGvlrmeLgn
— Craig Loxton (@LoxtonCA) June 4, 2026
