Cook thriving in full-time football.

Speaking exclusively to Robins TV Cook spoke of her pride in making her first senior start for the club against Durham last weekend.

“Obviously when I saw I was in the starting eleven I was really chuffed and happy,” said Cook. “I felt like I had a responsibly to prove myself to Lauren (Smith) and Jen (Foster) that they had made the right decision to give me that opportunity.

“Coming full-time with the club has given me the opportunity to put all my focus into my football career without there being education involved and hopefully that allows me to really kick on this year.”

It hasn’t been a straight path for Cook over the last twelve months. During the 2020/21 campaign she was training part-time with first team and completing her studies at SGS College. Injuries plagued Cook throughout the year, which almost made her walk away from the game.

“Playing 90 minutes last weekend was big step for me, it was a really proud moment especially as it’s been a long time since that has happened.

“Last year I had a lot of injuries – I tore my hamstring, dislocated my shoulder and broke my wrist, it was one after the other. It was mentally challenging at some points and I’m not going to lie there were times during my rehab that I didn’t want to be there and give up.

“Now I feel like I am in a really good place both mentally and physically and I was really happy that I could play ninety minutes, not only prove to myself but also the staff that I have put that behind me and I can perform under pressure.”

Having come from the academy set-up Cook had never experienced a matchday with a large number of fans in attendance. This season has seen supporters return to fixtures across the country and Cook has described it as a ‘surreal’ feeling to hear cheering on from the stands.

“I have never really played in front of fan before because I came straight from the academy, where it was just parents on the sideline. It’s surreal and give you the motivation that you need, the extra oomph on the pitch when you hear them cheering.

“Hopefully the fans can help us out on Sunday!”

City Women take on Sunderland Ladies at the Robins High Performance Centre on Sunday, October 3^rd (3pm KO) with tickets still on sale.