Michael John Cook (born 18 October 1968) is an English manager and former professional footballer. He is currently the manager of National League North club Gloucester City.
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Michael John Cook[1] | ||
Date of birth | [1] | 18 October 1968||
Place of birth | Stroud, England | ||
Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[2] | ||
Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
Youth career | |||
Wolverhampton Wanderers | |||
?–1985 | Coventry City | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1985–1989 | Coventry City | 0 | (0) |
1987 | → York City (loan) | 6 | (1) |
1989–1991 | Cambridge United | 17 | (1) |
1990 | → York City (loan) | 6 | (0) |
1990–1991 | Wycombe Wanderers | ? | (?) |
1993–1994 | Corby Town | ? | (?) |
2001–2003 | Gloucester City | 12 | (0) |
Managerial career | |||
2004–2006 | Cinderford Town | ||
2019 | Gloucester City | ||
2020–2022 | Chippenham Town | ||
2023 | Swindon Town Women | ||
2023– | Gloucester City | ||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
In his playing career, Cook played in the Football League as a midfielder for York City and Cambridge United,[3][4] after starting his career with an FA Youth Cup win with Coventry City
In December 2019 he appeared in court on allegations of dangerous driving.[5] He pleaded guilty to careless driving in February 2020 and was banned from driving due to the number of points he had accrued.[6]
Career edit
Born in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Cook started his career in the youth team at Coventry City where he won an FA Youth Cup medal. After a brief spell on loan to York City he signed for Cambridge United on a free transfer in 1989.
Cook's career at the Abbey Stadium was blighted by injury; he made only 17 appearances in two seasons. His one goal for the club was a vital one however, scoring at Aldershot to help cement a play-off place at the end of the 1989–90 season. He was also a substitute at Wembley Stadium for the 1–0 win over Chesterfield in the final.
After another loan spell at York City, a spinal injury forced Cook's retirement from the professional game at the age of 22.[7] He had spells in non-League football with Wycombe Wanderers, Corby Town, Cambridge City, and many other clubs, and worked for Cambridge United as Football in the Community officer.[8] Cook took up a similar post at Cheltenham Town in 1999,[7] alongside spells as assistant manager of Gloucester City and, from September 2004, as manager of Cinderford Town.[9] After ten years with Cheltenham, Cook joined the staff of the Professional Footballers' Association in July 2009 as a regional coach educator.[7]
On 8 January 2019 Cook became the manager of Gloucester City, replacing Chris Todd as manager.[10][11] He was sacked from this role in November 2019.[12]
In January 2020, Cook was appointed interim manager of Chippenham Town until the end of the season[13] before being given the job on a permanent basis following a successful interim spell in March 2020 following the early curtailment of the season.[14] Cook left the club by mutual consent on 9 April 2022.[15]
On 19 September 2023, Cook returned as manager of Gloucester City, being appointed after the departure of previous manager Tim Flowers.[16]
References edit
- ^ a b Hugman, Barry J. (2005). The PFA Premier & Football League Players' Records 1946–2005. Queen Anne Press. p. 135. ISBN 1-85291-665-6.
- ^ Jarred, Martin; Windross, Dave (1997). Citizens and Minstermen, A Who's Who of York City FC 1922–1997. Citizen Publications. p. 24. ISBN 0-9531005-0-2.
- ^ "York City : 1946/47 – 2003/04". UK A–Z Transfers. Neil Brown. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
- ^ "Cambridge United : 1970/71 – 2004/05". UK A–Z Transfers. Neil Brown. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
- ^ Lane, Ellis (12 December 2019). "Ex-Gloucester boss in court on allegations of dangerous driving". gloucestershirelive. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
- ^ Hawkins, John (6 February 2020). "Former Gloucester manager banned from driving after road rage". gloucestershirelive. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
- ^ a b c "Cook flies Robins' nest for dream role". Gloucestershire Echo. 10 July 2009. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
- ^ "Player Profile Mike Cook". NonLeague Daily. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
- ^ "2004/05 News Archive". Zamaretto League. 18 September 2004. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
- ^ "Gloucester City name former Coventry City player and ex-Cinderford Town boss as new manager". Gloucestershire Live. 8 January 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gloucester-city-name-former-coventry- [dead link]
- ^ Palmer, Jon (17 November 2019). ""I'm devastated I didn't have chance to finish job"". gloucestershirelive. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
- ^ "Chippenham Town Football Club appoint former Gloucester City manager Michael Cook as the club's interim boss until the end of the season". Gazette & Herald. 14 January 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ "Chippenham Town has appointed Mike Cook as the club's permanent manager". Gazette & Herald. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ "CLUB STATEMENT – Manager, Mike Cook". chippenhamtown.com. 9 April 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ "Mike Cook returns to City". Gloucester City AFC. 19 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.