Football technical director dead

The technical director of English Championship side Brentford has died at the age of 28.

Robert Rowan, who was originally from Kirkcaldy, took up the role in February, having spent more than three years as the championship side’s head of football operations.

Mr Rowan, who was combining his work at Stenhousemuir with a job in a bank when Brentford came calling, got his break in football when he produced a scouting report on the 2009 Uefa Champions League final and sent it to every league club in England and Scotland.

Celtic, Nottingham Forest and West Ham all replied, but it was the Parkhead side who invited him in for talks and eventually recruited him as a scout.

A statement from Celtic read: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with the family and friends of former Celtic scout Robert Rowan. RIP, Rob.”

Stenhousemuir tweeted a message of condolence and said: “Our deepest condolences from everyone at Stenhousemuir.

“Robert loved football and was a pioneer in the importance of analysis.

“Our thoughts go to his family and friends.”

Former Brentford striker Scott Hogan tweeted: “Sad news. Upon injuring my knee for the 2nd time at Brentford, Rob and the owner took me for dinner to reassure a worried young man about his future.”