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{{Short description|English association football player}}
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{{EngvarB|date=July 2013}}
{{Similar names|Stephen Cook (disambiguation)}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}
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{{EngvarB|date=December 2023}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Stephen Cooke
| name = Stephen Cooke
| image =
| image =
| caption =
⚫
| fullname = Stephen Lee Cooke<ref name="Hugman2003-04">{{Cite book
| full_name = Stephen Lee Cooke<ref name="Hugman2003-04">{{Cite book | editor-first = Barry J. | editor-last = Hugman | title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2003/2004 | year = 2003 | publisher = Queen Anne Press | isbn = 1-85291-651-6 | page = 94 }}</ref>
| editor-first = Barry J.
⚫
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|2|15|df=y}}
| editor-last = Hugman
| title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2003/2004
| year = 2003
| publisher = Queen Anne Press
| isbn = 1-85291-651-6
| page = 94 }}</ref>
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}<ref name="Hugman2003-04"/>
⚫
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|2|15|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Walsall]], England
| birth_place = [[Walsall]], England
⚫
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}<ref name="Hugman2003-04"/>
⚫
| position = [[Midfielder]]
| currentclub =
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = [[Lilleshall Hall|FA National School of Excellence]]
⚫
| position = [[Midfielder (football)|Midfielder]]
| youthyears2 =
| youthyears1 = | youthyears2 = | youthyears3 = | youthyears4 ={{0|000}}?–2000
| youthclubs1 = [[Lilleshall Hall|FA National School of Excellence]] | youthclubs2 = [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] | youthclubs3 = [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]]<ref name="bloxwichunited.co.uk">[http://www.bloxwichunited.co.uk/player_profile.pl?player=1213763 is for sale]. Bloxwichunited.co.uk.</ref> | youthclubs4 =[[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]
| youthclubs2 = [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
| youthyears3 =
| youthclubs3 = [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]]<ref name="bloxwichunited.co.uk">[https://archive.today/20120729075638/http://www.bloxwichunited.co.uk/player_profile.pl?player=1213763 is for sale]. Bloxwichunited.co.uk.</ref>
| youthyears4 = {{0|000}}?–2000
| youthclubs4 = [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]
| years1 = 2000–2005
| years1 = 2000–2005 | years2 = 2002 | years3 = 2004 | years4 = 2004–2005 | years5 = 2005–2007 | years6 = 2007 | years7 = 2007 | years8 = 2009 | years9 = 2009 | years10 = 2009–2010 | years11 =2010–
| clubs1 = [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]
| clubs1 = [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] | clubs2 = → [[A.F.C. Bournemouth|Bournemouth]] (loan) | clubs3 = → [[A.F.C. Bournemouth|Bournemouth]] (loan) | clubs4 = → [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] (loan) | clubs5 = [[A.F.C. Bournemouth|Bournemouth]] | clubs6 = → [[Torquay United F.C.|Torquay United]] (loan) | clubs7 = [[Halesowen Town F.C.|Halesowen Town]] | clubs8 = [[Weymouth F.C.|Weymouth]] | clubs9 = [[Halesowen Town F.C.|Halesowen Town]] | clubs10 = [[Bloxwich United F.C.|Bloxwich United]] | clubs11 =[[Pelsall Villa F.C.|Pelsall Villa]]
| caps1 = 4
| caps1 = 4 | goals1 = 0 | caps2 = 7 | goals2 = 0 | caps3 = 3 | goals3 = 0 | caps4 = 6 | goals4 = 0 | caps5 = 40 | goals5 = 3 | caps6 = 12 | goals6 = 1 | caps7 = 4 | goals7 = 0 | caps8 = 4 | goals8 = 0 | caps9 = 5 | goals9 = 0 | caps10 = – | goals10 = – | caps11 = 3 | goals11 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| pcupdate = 13:27, 27 May 2009 (UTC)
| years2 = 2002
| clubs2 = → [[AFC Bournemouth]] (loan)
| caps2 = 7
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2004
| clubs3 = → [[AFC Bournemouth]] (loan)
| caps3 = 3
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2004–2005
| clubs4 = → [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] (loan)
| caps4 = 6
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2005–2007
| clubs5 = [[AFC Bournemouth]]
| caps5 = 40
| goals5 = 3
| years6 = 2007
| clubs6 = → [[Torquay United F.C.|Torquay United]] (loan)
| caps6 = 12
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2007
| clubs7 = [[Halesowen Town F.C.|Halesowen Town]]
| caps7 = 4
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2009
| clubs8 = [[Weymouth F.C.|Weymouth]]
| caps8 = 4
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2009
| clubs9 = [[Halesowen Town F.C.|Halesowen Town]]
| caps9 = 5
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2009–2010
| clubs10 = [[Bloxwich United A.F.C.|Bloxwich United]]
| caps10 =
| goals10 =
| years11 = 2010–?
| clubs11 = [[Pelsall Villa F.C.|Pelsall Villa]]
| caps11 = 3
| goals11 = 0
| totalcaps = 88
| totalgoals = 4
| nationalyears1 = 2002
| nationalteam1 = England U20
| nationalcaps1 = 1
| nationalgoals1 = 0
}}
}}
'''Stephen Lee Cooke''' (born 15 February 1982 in [[Walsall]], England) is a [[Association football|footballer]] formerly signed to [[Pelsall Villa F.C.|Pelsall Villa]] in the [[Midland Football Combination]] [[Midland Football Combination#2011-12 members#Premier Division|Premier Division]], where he played as a [[Midfielder (football)|midfielder]] and was also a coach. Once considered a bright prospect for the future of [[English football]], Cooke's career has been seriously affected by a number of injuries.<ref name="pitchero.com">[http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/pelsallvillafc/s/players-coaches-19503.html&player_id=221996 First Team – Players & Coaches – STEPHEN COOKE – Pelsall Villa Football Club]. Pitchero.com (29 April 2013).</ref>
'''Stephen Lee Cooke''' (born 15 February 1983) is a retired professional footballer. Once considered a bright prospect for the future of [[English football]], Cooke's career was seriously affected by a number of injuries.<ref name="pitchero.com">[http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/pelsallvillafc/s/players-coaches-19503.html&player_id=221996 First Team – Players & Coaches – STEPHEN COOKE – Pelsall Villa Football Club] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019141319/http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/pelsallvillafc/s/players-coaches-19503.html%26player_id%3D221996 |date=19 October 2012 }}. Pitchero.com (29 April 2013).</ref>


==Playing career==
==Playing career==

===Aston Villa===
===Aston Villa===
Cooke was born in [[Walsall]] and began his career as a trainee at the [[Lilleshall Hall|FA National School of Excellence]] in [[Lilleshall]] and then signed as a trainee at [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]. He moved on to hometown club [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]] before joining [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]. Cooke turned professional in July 2000. He made his first team debut on 2 August 2000, coming on as a second-half substitute for [[Julian Joachim]] in Villa's 2–1 defeat at home to [[Celta de Vigo|Celta Vigo]] in the [[UEFA Intertoto Cup]] semi-final second-leg.
Cooke was born in [[Walsall]] and began his career as a trainee at the [[Lilleshall Hall|FA National School of Excellence]] in [[Lilleshall]] between 1997 and 1999.<ref name="youtube.com">{{Citation |title=45 MINUTES OF FAME {{!}} What Became of an Aston Villa Wonderkid? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh3iFQUnTjY |access-date=24 July 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He then signed as a trainee at [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]. He then moved to [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]. Cooke turned professional in July 2000. He made his first team debut on 2 August 2000, coming on as a second-half substitute for [[Julian Joachim]] in Villa's 2–1 defeat at home to [[Celta de Vigo|Celta Vigo]] in the [[UEFA Intertoto Cup]] semi-final second-leg.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aston Villa 1-2 RC Celta de Vigo, 2000-01 Intertoto Cup Semi Final, 2 Aug 2000 |url=https://www.avfchistory.co.uk/game/4623 |access-date=24 July 2023 |website=AVFC History |language=en}}</ref> Cooke was regularly training with the first team under manager [[John Gregory (footballer)|John Gregory]].<ref name="youtube.com"/> During this time, he did various chores around [[Bodymoor Heath Training Ground|Bodymoor Heath]], including cleaning the boots of [[Dion Dublin]].<ref name="youtube.com"/>


He moved to [[A.F.C. Bournemouth|Bournemouth]] on loan in March 2002,<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bournemouth/1868451.stm Cherries skirt embargo]. BBC News (12 March 2002).</ref> making his [[Football League]] debut in Bournemouth's 5–1 win at home to [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] on 9 March. He returned to Villa before the end of the season.
According to Cooke's later recollections, the next Aston Villa manager, [[Graham Taylor]], 'wasn't convinced' initially that the youngster was ready for the first team.<ref name="youtube.com"/> Cooke moved to [[AFC Bournemouth]] on loan in March 2002,<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bournemouth/1868451.stm Cherries skirt embargo]. BBC News (12 March 2002).</ref> making his [[Football League]] debut in Bournemouth's 5–1 win at home to [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] on 9 March. He returned to Villa before the end of the season.


On 1 January 2003 he finally made his [[FA Premier League|Premier League]] debut for [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]], coming as a late substitute for [[Ulises De la Cruz]] in Villa's 2–0 home win over [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]]. He made two further appearances that season for [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]], as a late substitute for [[Dion Dublin]] in the 1–0 defeat at home to [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in March and as a second-half substitute for [[Stefan Moore]] in the 3–1 defeat away to [[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]] on the final day of the season.
On 1 January 2003, he made his [[FA Premier League|Premier League]] debut for Aston Villa, coming as a late substitute for [[Ulises De la Cruz]] in Villa's 2–0 home win over [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]]. He made two further appearances that season for Aston Villa, as a late substitute for [[Dion Dublin]] in the 1–0 defeat at home to Manchester United in March and as a second-half substitute for [[Stefan Moore]] in the 3–1 defeat away to [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] on the final day of the season.


Cooke later claimed that manager Graham Taylor saw him as a wide player, rather than his preferred central midfield position. During one team meeting in the 2002–03 season, Taylor singled out Cooke in a team meeting by saying 'how long am I going to have to wait for you to start doing what you need to do?’ Taylor wanted Cooke to 'play wide but run the game', leaving Cooke confused about his role in the team.<ref name="youtube.com"/> Taylor rewarded Cooke at the end of the season by offering him a new contract.<ref name="youtube.com"/> Days later, Taylor left the club and was replaced by [[David O'Leary|David O’Leary]] who did not select Cooke.
⚫
He rejoined [[A.F.C. Bournemouth|Bournemouth]] again on loan in January 2004 and signed on loan for [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] in December of the same year.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/enwiki/w/wycombe_wanderers/4082793.stm Villa's Cooke loaned to Bournemouth]. BBC News (9 December 2004).</ref> Cooke's [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] career came to an end when he was released at the end of the 2004–05 season.

⚫
Cooke rejoined Bournemouth again on loan in January 2004. He signed on loan for [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]] in December of the same year.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/enwiki/w/wycombe_wanderers/4082793.stm Villa's Cooke loaned to Bournemouth]. BBC News (9 December 2004).</ref> He severely injured his ankle while on loan which did not heal.<ref name="youtube.com"/> Ankle cartilage problems continued to blight his career. Cooke later claimed that he considered retiring at this point in his career.<ref name="youtube.com"/> Cooke's Aston Villa career came to an end when he was released at the end of the 2004–05 season.


===AFC Bournemouth===
===AFC Bournemouth===
In July 2005, Cooke re-signed for [[A.F.C. Bournemouth|Bournemouth]], this time on a permanent basis.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bournemouth/4646597.stm Cooke glad to be at Bournemouth]. BBC News (3 July 2005).</ref>
In July 2005, Cooke re-signed for Bournemouth, this time on a permanent basis, opting against a move to his hometown club of [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bournemouth/4646597.stm Cooke glad to be at Bournemouth]. BBC News (3 July 2005).</ref> Cooke was still injured when he signed and was unsure if his fitness would ever return.<ref name="youtube.com"/>


===Torquay United===
===Torquay United===
On 16 January 2007, he joined [[Torquay United F.C.|Torquay United]] on loan until the end of the season.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/6268341.stm Torquay sign winger Cooke on loan]. BBC News (16 January 2007).</ref> Cooke made the good start to his [[Torquay United F.C.|Torquay United]] career scoring on his debut, but the club lost 5–2 away to [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] on 19 January.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/6258667.stm|title=Notts County 5–2 Torquay|publisher=[[bbc.co.uk]] |date=20 January 2007 |accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref> He returned to Bournemouth and was released at the end of the season.
On 16 January 2007, Cooke joined [[Torquay United F.C.|Torquay United]] on loan until the end of the season.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/6268341.stm Torquay sign winger Cooke on loan]. BBC News (16 January 2007).</ref> He made the good start to his Torquay United career scoring on his debut, but the club lost 5–2 away to [[Notts County F.C.|Notts County]] on 19 January.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/6258667.stm|title=Notts County 5–2 Torquay|publisher=[[BBC]] |date=20 January 2007 |accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref> He returned to Bournemouth and was released at the end of the season.


===Halesowen Town===
===Halesowen Town===
On 3 August 2007, [[Halesowen Town F.C.|Halesowen Town]] confirmed that Cooke had joined the club along with two other former League players, in the shape of [[Terry Fleming]] and [[Duane Darby]].<ref>[http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=44028 Triple coup for ambitious Yeltz]. Nonleaguedaily.com (1 January 2003).</ref>
On 3 August 2007, [[Halesowen Town F.C.|Halesowen Town]] confirmed that Cooke had joined the club along with two other former League players, in the shape of [[Terry Fleming]] and [[Duane Darby]].<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930035511/http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=44028 Triple coup for ambitious Yeltz]}}. Nonleaguedaily.com (1 January 2003).</ref>


In September 2007 he undertook a trial with [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] and later trialled with [[Wrexham F.C.|Wrexham]]
In September 2007 he undertook a trial with [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] and later trialled with [[Wrexham A.F.C.|Wrexham]]. Cooke later claimed he had offers to play in the United States.<ref name="youtube.com"/>


Both trials came to nothing and he resigned for Halesowen Town.
Both trials came to nothing and he resigned for Halesowen Town.


===Weymouth===
===Weymouth===
In April 2009, he signed for [[Weymouth F.C.|Weymouth]] until the end of the season, but only made four appearances.
In April 2009, he signed for [[Weymouth F.C.|Weymouth]] until the end of the season, but only made four appearances. Cooke later claimed he was 'never keen on that level of football'.<ref name="youtube.com"/>


===Return to Halesowen===
===Return to Halesowen===
For 2009–10, Cooke returned to Halesowen Town where he joined up with former Aston Villa team mate [[Stefan Moore]]. However, the second spell was also unsuccessful for Cooke who was released on 17 September 2009 after the club entered administration.<ref>[http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/sport/football/htfc/4634051.Moore_move_shock/ ]{{dead link|date=July 2013}}</ref>
For 2009–10, Cooke returned to Halesowen Town where he joined up with former Aston Villa teammate [[Stefan Moore]]. However, the second spell was also unsuccessful for Cooke who was released on 17 September 2009 after the club entered administration.<ref>http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/sport/football/htfc/4634051.Moore_move_shock/ {{dead link|date=July 2013}}</ref>


===Bloxwich United===
===Bloxwich United===
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===Pelsall Villa===
===Pelsall Villa===
Cooke's stay at Bloxwich United was not a long one, and he soon left to join [[Pelsall Villa F.C.|Pelsall Villa]].<ref name="pitchero.com"/> He played three games in the 2009–10 season, providing one assist.<ref>http://www.webteams.co.uk/squad.aspx?team=pelsallvilla</ref>
Cooke's stay at Bloxwich United was not a long one, and he soon left to join [[Pelsall Villa F.C.|Pelsall Villa]].<ref name="pitchero.com"/> He played three games in the 2009–10 season, providing one assist.<ref>http://www.webteams.co.uk/squad.aspx?team=pelsallvilla {{Dead link|date=March 2022}}</ref>

== Coaching career ==
Cooke has served as a coach at [[Chasetown F.C.|Chasetown FC]].<ref name="youtube.com"/>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Soccerbase|21356|Stephen Cooke}}
*{{Soccerbase}}
*[http://halesowentownfc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=693&Itemid=1 Halesowen Town FC Profile]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160117013443/http://halesowentownfc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=693&Itemid=1 Halesowen Town FC Profile]



{{DEFAULTSORT:Cooke, Stephen}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cooke, Stephen}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Walsall]]
[[Category:Footballers from Walsall]]
[[Category:English footballers]]
[[Category:English men's footballers]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
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[[Category:English Football League players]]
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[[Category:National League (English football) players]]
[[Category:Aston Villa F.C. players]]
[[Category:Aston Villa F.C. players]]
[[Category:Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players]]
[[Category:Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players]]
[[Category:A.F.C. Bournemouth players]]
[[Category:AFC Bournemouth players]]
[[Category:Torquay United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Torquay United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Halesowen Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Halesowen Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Weymouth F.C. players]]
[[Category:Weymouth F.C. players]]
[[Category:Pelsall Villa F.C. players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
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[[Category:English Football League players]]
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[[Category:National League (English football) players]]
[[Category:21st-century English sportsmen]]

Revision as of 05:21, 31 October 2024

For other people with similar names, see Stephen Cook (disambiguation).

Stephen Cooke
Personal information
Full name Stephen Lee Cooke[1]
Date of birth (1983-02-15) 15 February 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth Walsall, England
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[1]
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
FA National School of Excellence
Manchester United
Walsall[2]
?–2000 Aston Villa
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2005 Aston Villa 4 (0)
2002 → AFC Bournemouth (loan) 7 (0)
2004 → AFC Bournemouth (loan) 3 (0)
2004–2005 → Wycombe Wanderers (loan) 6 (0)
2005–2007 AFC Bournemouth 40 (3)
2007 → Torquay United (loan) 12 (1)
2007 Halesowen Town 4 (0)
2009 Weymouth 4 (0)
2009 Halesowen Town 5 (0)
2009–2010 Bloxwich United
2010–? Pelsall Villa 3 (0)
Total 88 (4)
International career
2002 England U20 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Stephen Lee Cooke (born 15 February 1983) is a retired professional footballer. Once considered a bright prospect for the future of English football, Cooke's career was seriously affected by a number of injuries.[3]

Playing career

Aston Villa

Cooke was born in Walsall and began his career as a trainee at the FA National School of Excellence in Lilleshall between 1997 and 1999.[4] He then signed as a trainee at Manchester United. He then moved to Aston Villa. Cooke turned professional in July 2000. He made his first team debut on 2 August 2000, coming on as a second-half substitute for Julian Joachim in Villa's 2–1 defeat at home to Celta Vigo in the UEFA Intertoto Cup semi-final second-leg.[5] Cooke was regularly training with the first team under manager John Gregory.[4] During this time, he did various chores around Bodymoor Heath, including cleaning the boots of Dion Dublin.[4]

According to Cooke's later recollections, the next Aston Villa manager, Graham Taylor, 'wasn't convinced' initially that the youngster was ready for the first team.[4] Cooke moved to AFC Bournemouth on loan in March 2002,[6] making his Football League debut in Bournemouth's 5–1 win at home to Northampton Town on 9 March. He returned to Villa before the end of the season.

On 1 January 2003, he made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa, coming as a late substitute for Ulises De la Cruz in Villa's 2–0 home win over Bolton Wanderers. He made two further appearances that season for Aston Villa, as a late substitute for Dion Dublin in the 1–0 defeat at home to Manchester United in March and as a second-half substitute for Stefan Moore in the 3–1 defeat away to Leeds United on the final day of the season.

Cooke later claimed that manager Graham Taylor saw him as a wide player, rather than his preferred central midfield position. During one team meeting in the 2002–03 season, Taylor singled out Cooke in a team meeting by saying 'how long am I going to have to wait for you to start doing what you need to do?’ Taylor wanted Cooke to 'play wide but run the game', leaving Cooke confused about his role in the team.[4] Taylor rewarded Cooke at the end of the season by offering him a new contract.[4] Days later, Taylor left the club and was replaced by David O’Leary who did not select Cooke.

Cooke rejoined Bournemouth again on loan in January 2004. He signed on loan for Wycombe Wanderers in December of the same year.[7] He severely injured his ankle while on loan which did not heal.[4] Ankle cartilage problems continued to blight his career. Cooke later claimed that he considered retiring at this point in his career.[4] Cooke's Aston Villa career came to an end when he was released at the end of the 2004–05 season.

AFC Bournemouth

In July 2005, Cooke re-signed for Bournemouth, this time on a permanent basis, opting against a move to his hometown club of Walsall.[8] Cooke was still injured when he signed and was unsure if his fitness would ever return.[4]

Torquay United

On 16 January 2007, Cooke joined Torquay United on loan until the end of the season.[9] He made the good start to his Torquay United career scoring on his debut, but the club lost 5–2 away to Notts County on 19 January.[10] He returned to Bournemouth and was released at the end of the season.

Halesowen Town

On 3 August 2007, Halesowen Town confirmed that Cooke had joined the club along with two other former League players, in the shape of Terry Fleming and Duane Darby.[11]

In September 2007 he undertook a trial with Grimsby Town and later trialled with Wrexham. Cooke later claimed he had offers to play in the United States.[4]

Both trials came to nothing and he resigned for Halesowen Town.

Weymouth

In April 2009, he signed for Weymouth until the end of the season, but only made four appearances. Cooke later claimed he was 'never keen on that level of football'.[4]

Return to Halesowen

For 2009–10, Cooke returned to Halesowen Town where he joined up with former Aston Villa teammate Stefan Moore. However, the second spell was also unsuccessful for Cooke who was released on 17 September 2009 after the club entered administration.[12]

Bloxwich United

Cooke signed for Bloxwich United in September 2009, following his release from Halesowen.[2]

Pelsall Villa

Cooke's stay at Bloxwich United was not a long one, and he soon left to join Pelsall Villa.[3] He played three games in the 2009–10 season, providing one assist.[13]

Coaching career

Cooke has served as a coach at Chasetown FC.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2003). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2003/2004. Queen Anne Press. p. 94. ISBN 1-85291-651-6.
  2. ^ a b is for sale. Bloxwichunited.co.uk.
  3. ^ a b First Team – Players & Coaches – STEPHEN COOKE – Pelsall Villa Football Club Archived 19 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Pitchero.com (29 April 2013).
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l 45 MINUTES OF FAME | What Became of an Aston Villa Wonderkid?, retrieved 24 July 2023
  5. ^ "Aston Villa 1-2 RC Celta de Vigo, 2000-01 Intertoto Cup Semi Final, 2 Aug 2000". AVFC History. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  6. ^ Cherries skirt embargo. BBC News (12 March 2002).
  7. ^ Villa's Cooke loaned to Bournemouth. BBC News (9 December 2004).
  8. ^ Cooke glad to be at Bournemouth. BBC News (3 July 2005).
  9. ^ Torquay sign winger Cooke on loan. BBC News (16 January 2007).
  10. ^ "Notts County 5–2 Torquay". BBC. 20 January 2007. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  11. ^ Triple coup for ambitious Yeltz[usurped]. Nonleaguedaily.com (1 January 2003).
  12. ^ http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/sport/football/htfc/4634051.Moore_move_shock/ [dead link‍]
  13. ^ http://www.webteams.co.uk/squad.aspx?team=pelsallvilla [dead link‍]
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