After disappointment in the League Two play-offs, Grimsby Town have kick-started their summer business by bringing back one of their loan stars on a permanent deal.
The Mariners have announced the permanent signing of star striker Andy Cook. A veteran striker at the level, he has penned a one-year deal with the club with an option to extend.
‘Cookie’ needs no introduction at the level. As there are few forwards with a better pedigree in the fourth tier than the former Bradford City marksman.
Andy Cook Makes Mariners Return
Grimsby Town fans are perfectly familiar with Andy Cook. First joining the club back in 2012 from Barrow, the then-young striker showed promise.
But he became more reputable at Tranmere Rovers, scoring 51 goals in two seasons with the Merseyside club. He then made the switch to Walsall, where he returned 18 goals despite the club’s relegation from League One.
And his spell with Bradford captured the hearts of many, hitting double figures in four full seasons spent with the West Yorkshire side.
Eventually, the 35-year-old sustained an injury for Bradford, which saw him out of action for nearly a year. Upon his return, City were a top-end League One outfit, leading to a return to North East Lincolnshire on loan.
His presence brought the best out of Jaze Kabia – who is now subject to interest from League One and the Championship. Meanwhile, his contribution of seven goals and two assists in half a season was pivotal to Grimsby’s eventual play-off finish.
Showing his quality off the back of an awful injury, there is a feeling that a full pre-season could see the forward firmly back to his best.
What Has Been Said?
On returning to the Mariners, Andy Cook said:
“I’m delighted to be staying.
“I loved my time here last season and it quickly became clear what a special Football Club this is. The supporters were brilliant with me from day one and there is a real togetherness around the place.
“We achieved some great things together, but everyone is focused on what comes next. I’m excited to be back permanently and looking forward to getting started again.”
Grimsby Town’s Current Squad
As it stands, Grimsby Town have kept together the majority of their star players.
Kieran Green, Charles Vernam, and Jaze Kabia are still with the club after the trio returned double-figure goals last season. Meanwhile, their Player of the Season, Harvey Rodgers, remains at the club – as does the defensive pairing of Cameron McJannet and Maldini Kacurri.
The Mariners have a firm core of players in place for next season, although attention will need to be paid to their midfield following the releases of Evan Khouri and George McEachran. Additionally, a goalkeeper will be top of their priorities – with David Artell recently confirming that the club will be looking to make Jackson Smith’s stay permanent, subject to discussions with Barnsley.
Town were unfortunate not to trouble the top three last season, after a dismal run of form between October and December put the club out of any automatic promotion talk. However, they have continuously progressed under David Artell’s lead and will rightly be confident of another promotion push in the 26-27 season.
