Anyone who observed the Bristol City
game on October 23rd will have the name Cook or Cooke etched in their memory.
Cook the elder has brought stability, confidence and experience to the side, qualities
that were sadly lacking during the earlier part of last season. One would have been
forgiven for thinking that he was captaining the side that day as he was giving orders to
his teammates right, left and centre. I hope his commands were understandable, because
from where I was sitting he sounded as if he required a "scouse" interpreter.
His goal after six minutes was indeed inspirational. Having received the
ball he held it up well, looked around, deciding that, although there were options, he had
plenty of space and might as well take a shot on his brilliant left foot. It appeared to
happen in slow motion and to everyone's delight yet disbelief the keeper flung himself
towards the ball which had passed him and found the back of the net. Many of our goals
this season have not been classics but this one was from the top drawer and just to remind
us that this was not a one off he treated us to yet another stunning strike last Sunday at
Barnet. During the first half he did not contribute as much as we would have expected,
although a combination of the sloping pitch and a very blustery wind made conditions
difficult. Cook the elder has been an excellent signing. Long may he and his left foot
continue to thrill us at Turf Moor.
Cooke the younger is also playing some of his best football at the moment
and appears to have shaken off the injury which omitted him from the squad earlier in the
season. His ability to hold up the ball and pass accurately was evident during the Bristol
City game and it was rewarding to see him score a wonderful goal from approximately twenty
yards out. Although he was not on the score sheet at Barnet, albeit for the agility of the
Barnet goalkeeper, he was the player who adapted best to the difficult conditions by
holding the ball up intelligently and passing it with some accuracy. He was indeed a
worthy winner of the man of the match award.
Throughout the years there have been other Cooks and Cookes who have
gained notoriety in various fields; maybe we could utilise their talents at Turf Moor in
the future. The intrepid explorer Captain Cook could perhaps be the mascot of the New
Zealand Clarets, whilst Robin Cook would look fascinating dressed in a Claret and Blue
jester suit accompanying Bertie Bee around the ground before a match. The journalist
Alistair Cooke could have the responsibility of reporting Claret performances throughout
the world whilst the stoic Roger Cooke would be an ideal bouncer at the Centre Spot.
Finally, as a reward for gaining first division promotion, the players could visit the
Cook Islands in the Pacific. I believe that Stan is searching for another striker. He need
look no further, Terry Cook(e) does not even make the Manchester City bench these days and
may wish to help another team gain promotion this season.
