Steve Rowley dead: Arsenal announce tragic death of legendary former chief scout

Arsenal have announced the tragic passing of their former chief scout, Steve Rowley, after a short illness.

Rowley played a key part in Arsenal's success under Arsene Wenger, spending over two decades in his role as chief scout before departing in 2017. A club statement read: "Everyone at the Club is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our former Chief Scout Steve Rowley after a short illness.

"Steve, 63, had been associated with the Club since January 1980, when he began a part-time role in our youth scouting operations in Essex. Notable early successes in the identification of talent - including Tony Adams and Ray Parlour - led to a full-time position during George Graham's time as manager.

"Upon his arrival in 1996, Arsène Wenger appointed Steve as our Chief Scout, a position he held until 2017. During four decades with the Club, Steve and his network of scouts were responsible for identifying and securing many players instrumental in on-pitch success for the Club.

"Our thoughts are with Steve’s family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Steve."

Rowley spent over 35 years at the North London club and has had a long and fruitful partnership with Wenger during that time. The two enjoyed a strong working relationship and Rowley’s exit in late 2017 preceded that of the French boss by about six months as there was an overhaul behind the scenes at Arsenal. Rowley had apparently grown tired of being made a scapegoat for Arsenal’s transfer market failings which had coincided with the club dropping out of England's most successful teams.

Rowley previously explained in an interview with Arsenal fans blog Young Guns, when quizzed on how he helped unearth gems for Arsenal: “Well we know about the bigger names too