Andy Cook has made his loan deal a permanent one since his release from Mansfield Town, as the 30-year-old completes his move to Bradford City.
This is new manager Derek Adams’ first signing since taking over at the Bantams, with the former Morecambe boss well aware that Cook is a fan favourite at Valley Parade.
Signing a two year deal, Cook spent the second half of last season on loan in West Yorkshire, where he averaged a goal every two games and slotted eight goals in 16 outings, an impressive record.
Since the striker clear out at the end of May, Cook is the Bantams only recognised striker currently contracted to the club, which will have been a major force in attracting his interest.
Adams’ type of forward
Adams has an empowering reputation of getting the best out of his strikers, as season with Cole Stockton last season who had his most prolific year under Adams.
Cook is the sort of target man, stocky forward that Adams works best with, and having already been a force to be reckoned with under different leadership, Adams will be hoping to pus Cook onto a 15+ goal season, something that looks very possible judging by his record last season.
His target man physique also helps contribute to the single man forward formation that Adams has adopted in previous roles, with the hope that a Cook could hold up the ball and bully the defenders whilst support arrives.
A formidable forward
Cook is a rare player, as he has been immense at almost every club he’s played at. It’s relatively surprising that he hasn’t played in a much higher division judging from his record.
With 83 goals in 143 games at Barrow, 56 in 81 at Tranmere Rovers and 15 in 40 at Walsall, it’s surprising there weren’t any higher division sides after him in the past. Nevertheless, it just proves that Cook is a natural goal scorer, even if his role as a target man is to hold up the ball or shrug off the defenders, he is an accomplished finisher of the ball.
A fan favourite
The 30-year-old is already a fan favourite in West Yorkshire, despite the fact he’s only been at the club on a short loan spell.
Whether if it’s his WWE inspired celebrations, his wacky announcement video or his excellent record in front of goal, it’s rare that fans have this good of a relationship with a player. It may be thanks to his rise through non-league, but Cook comes across as a good character to have in the changing rooms and on the pitch, which Adams will be delighted with as a good dressing room atmosphere contributed massively to Morecambe’s promotion last season.