Bradford City have moved to offer a new deal to striker Andy Cook, one of the standout pieces of news from their retained list.
The Bantams crept into the League Two play-offs, but were eliminated at the semi-final stage after a thrilling contest at Brunton Park against Carlisle United. The 32-year-old smashed 31 goals in 52 appearances this season but was unable to conjure one up in the play-offs.
That form has put him on the radar of other clubs, with newly-promoted Stevenage being one suitor, as exclusively revealed by The Real EFL. However, Mark Hughes has signalled his own intent by offering the striker a new deal, in the hope he can seal an agreement and go one better in their hunt for a return to the third tier for the first time since 2018/19.
Cook, ironically began his career with the victors in Bradford’s play-off game, Carlisle United, enjoying loan spells with Workington and Barrow before joining the latter permanently in 2011. His career has since taken him to Grimsby Town, Mansfield Town, Tranmere Rovers, and Walsall before a switch to Valley Parade in 2021.
Cook is one of seven players offered a new deal, the others being Dylan Youmbi, Harvey Rowe, Heath Richardson, Liam Ridehalgh, Alex Gilliead and Bobby Pointon. Meanwhile, Adam Clayton, Abo Eisa, Charlie Wood, Cole Roberts, Jack Wilson, Kian Scales, Oscar Threlkeld, and Yann Songo’o will all leave the club when their contracts expire.
The Bantams made the top seven for the first time since being relegated out of League One, having previously finished 9th, 15th, and 14th. Much of that success was down to Cook’s goals, and their desire to keep him is reflected in Hughes’ attempts to keep him at Valley Parade.
Writers View
Bradford are a big club, but they’re a big club in League Two. At 32, Cook may relish another chance to make an impression in the third tier, even if it is with a ‘smaller’ club such as Stevenage.
Hughes might have offered the striker a deal, but it’s likely that the lure of a higher level could be more than a few extra quid in the pay packet. If Stevenage are interested, it would be the ideal destination, as Steve Evans plays a brand of football that perfectly suits a robust forward such as Cook. I hate to say to Bantams’ fans, but I think this contract is no more than a token gesture.
