Paul Cook, the veteran football manager, could not be more excited to start an adventure to attain his fourth promotion in The English Football League (EFL). Over the course of his career, he’s hoping for a cumulative seven promotions. Cook only recently returned to Chesterfield after a brief hiatus from the managerial ranks. Now, he’s as all in as an owner can be on returning the club to League One.
Under Cook’s guidance in the 2013/14 season, Chesterfield won the League Two title as well as the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. His time at the club allowed him to cement his own reputation as a manager. He showed the world he was capable of doing big things. Just under two months after losing his job, Cook was back at it with Chesterfield. He hoped to use that power to bring about the same successes he had accomplished previously.
In his first full season back, Cook led Chesterfield to the National League play-off final. They gave it everything they had, but were narrowly defeated 4-3 by Notts County in a tense penalty shoot-out. This nail-biting escape had fans and players alike wanting to take revenge. Now, as Cook prepares to face Walsall in the second leg of their League Two play-off semi-final, trailing 2-0 from the first leg, he believes that his team can still turn the tide.
“Sometimes, you can talk too much to players. I think the amount of information going into players now is ridiculous,” Cook stated. “I feel the disappointment has to sink in. I really believe in feeling pain.” This philosophy speaks to his focus while overseeing all aspects of player performance and morale amidst tough times.
Cook’s managerial career is filled with notable accomplishments. He won a League Two title with Portsmouth in 2016/17 and gained promotion to League One via the playoffs with Wigan Athletic in 2017/18. As extraordinary as his story might seem, it hasn’t come without considerable costs. His experience at Ipswich Town shouldn’t be overlooked. A mere 277 days after signing a two-year contract, he was fired.
When Cook arrived in Ipswich, his first big test was waiting for him. An unprecedented count of 15 senior players were laid low by injury in that vital Christmas period. “It was impossible. We named subs against MK Dons on New Year’s Day that were injured,” he recalled. “That was a tough time for us, but my bosses, Phil and Ash Kirk, are amazing guys to work for, so supportive, and would always bring a player in if I needed one.”
Despite these challenges, Cook doesn’t lose hope about Chesterfield’s future and potential. He feels that the club has “definitely been too good” and is capable of so much more. His experience of eight previous promotions at every level from non-league up to Championship makes him a man of confidence as he coaches Chesterfield’s existing roster.
In a relief at having avoided two consecutive years of underperformance, Cook reflected on the luck in the margins between success and failure. “When you finish eighth, you’ve probably had equally as good a season, just a minute difference out,” he explained. That difference can be measured in terms of success and failure. We blew it.
Chesterfield prepare for their first round replay match against Walsall. Cook emphasizes that teamwork and friendship always come first for the squad. “It’s one of the reasons we do our due diligence on players,” he said. They are terrific players, tremendous men and they’ve been a huge help to us in the second half.
Cook’s passion for the game and dedication to his players really shows in the way he approaches things. “It’s been a rollercoaster ride, that’s for sure!” he remarked when asked about his journey thus far.
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