Bradford City‘s promotion hopes have taken a huge blow following the confirmation that talisman Andy Cook has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
The 34-year-old has become one of the deadliest strikers in League Two since joining the Bantams on a permanent basis in 2021. Since then, he has scored 85 goals in 192 appearances, a number which includes 15 in all competitions this season.
It’s this form which has seen Bradford move to within striking distance of the play-off places. They currently sit eighth, just two points behind seventh-placed Doncaster Rovers, who have played a game more.
Cook, who recently scored both goals in a 2-1 win over promotion rivals Port Vale, limped out of the 2-2 draw against Barrow on New Year’s Day after just six minutes. This immediately prompted fears as to the severity of the injury, with the worst now confirmed.
Bradford Release Andy Cook Statement
The veteran was absent for Saturday’s win over Grimsby Town as supporters waited anxiously waited for news as to how long he would be on the sidelines. This afternoon, Bradford released the following statement:
“Andy Cook will undergo surgery later this month after scans confirmed the City striker sustained a cruciate ligament injury during the Bantams’ New Year’s Day game against Barrow.
“Cook was forced from the field during the opening stages of our 2-2 draw and met with specialists earlier this week.
“The forward, who has scored 85 goals in claret and amber, will miss the remainder of this season.
“Everyone at Bradford City AFC wishes Andy a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming him back to the action as soon as possible.”
Although the statement doesn’t put a timescale on Cook’s return, The Telegraph & Argus have confirmed that he will miss the rest of the season.
Writer’s View
To say this is a huge blow for Bradford is perhaps an understatement. There’s hasn’t been much to sing about at Valley Parade in the last few years, but Cook is the one person that has given supporters cause for cheer. It’s far too early to tell how much this will have an impact on their push for promotion, although the early signs are good. The Bantams did find the net three times in the win over Grimsby at the weekend and if other members of the squad can continue to step up, it still could be a successful season for Graham Alexander’s team.
Head of Writing
