Robert Rowan, Brentford’s technical director, died of heart failure

Robert Rowan, Brentford’s technical director, died of heart failure overnight on Sunday, aged 28.

The club paid tribute to the Scot ahead of Thursday’s behind-closed-doors friendly against West Ham at Griffin Park.

The visitors brought a floral tribute, while there was a minute’s silence ahead of the game, which the Hammers won 2-1.

Brentford remain in talks with Rowan’s family about another tribute ahead of their next home game, against Middlesbrough on November 24.

Rasmus Ankersen, Brentford’s co-director of football, described Rowan as “a rare breed”.

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“Not only was he highly respected by the traditional football people, he also won the trust of even the most nerdy data analysts,” Ankersen said. “They all felt he spoke their language.

“He was the social glue at the training ground. Even though Rob hadn’t even turned 30, he was a guy people felt comfortable turning to when sharing ideas.

“Rob was also a joker. He was eager to teach me how to speak with a proper Scottish accent and guaranteed me it would increase my probability of success in life.”

Brentford chairman Cliff Crown added: “You may have seen me say many times, when staff or players have moved on, that we come back stronger. However, without Rob we are unquestionably less than we were.”