Football
Exclusive: Barrow Eye January Move for Prolific Bradford Striker Andy Cook
Barrow are eyeing Bradford City striker Andy Cook in a January move, as the 35-year-old has struggled in League One after returning from injury. Cook has a proven track record as a goal-scorer in League Two, and Barrow boss Andy Whing is keen to strengthen the team. Other clubs are also interested in signing Cook.
Newcastle United v Bradford City - Carabao Cup Third Round by George Wood | Getty Images
Barrow are readying a January swoop for Bradford City striker Andy Cook, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The striker started his career in Cumbria with Carlisle United before making the move to rivals Barrow whilst they were in non-league.
Towering forward Cook has been prolific during his spell at the Bantams, netting 77 league goals since joining the club, initially on loan in 2021.
But the 35-year-old has struggled since Bradford’s return to League One this term following his comeback from a serious ACL injury he sustained at the start of the year.
Bradford have put themselves firmly in the League One promotion race so far this season and it is understood Graham Alexander would be wiling to allow the player to leave the club if he wanted to.
Cook has been a regular goal getter in League Two during his career and Barrow boss Andy Whing is desperate to bolster his options after the club's recent sorry spell.
Whing said: “We're always looking and thinking where we need to improve.”
“We've got a decent sized squad now, we didn't have that at the start of the seasons. Unfortunately we’ve got eight, nine, ten players out at the moment.”
“If we need to have a look at it we will. We’re always talking and always looking at where we can improve.”
Hitman
A League Two Golden Boot winner in the 2022/23 season, among winning a host of other honours, with 28 strikes for the Bantams, Cook is a proven scorer at League Two level.
He was also voted Walsall's Player of the Season after 13 strikes in 43 League One games in the 2018/19 campaign.
It is understood there are a number of clubs willing to offer the player a deal if the opportunity to capture his services becomes available.
Shane is an experienced sports journalist with over a decade on the front line, covering everything from football to horse racing. A familiar face in the snooker pressroom, his work regularly appears in the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and Daily Star, alongside SportsBoom.
While snooker is where many readers know him best, cricket is his true sporting passion, though he tends to keep that side of him separate from his professional beat.
A staunch traditionalist, he’s unlikely to share your enthusiasm if you believe The Hundred is the future of Test cricket.