Since Cook left Wigan on the first day of August, 13 second-tier clubs have either sacked, lost or otherwise dispensed with a first-team manager.
None of them saw fit to employ the 54-year-old, despite his broad popularity with supporters, a cast-iron CV and, in several cases, prohibitively short odds at Ladbrokes.
Admittedly, some of them were inside jobs; Wayne Rooney at Derby, Jason Tindall at Bournemouth. But most weren’t.
In the past month alone, Cardiff and Bristol City have appointed external candidates without even inviting Cook to interview.
Fizzled
In the case of the latter, that is understandable. Cook was interviewed for the post when Lee Johnson was sacked in the summer, his sudden availability following Wigan’s shock relegation convincing the Robins to extend a recruitment process that had already taken four weeks.
Like an icy blind date, though, any chemistry quickly fizzled. Cook, City briefed reporters, did not fit the club’s culture.
Was this a euphemistic way of saying the former Chesterfield and Portsmouth boss wanted to pull more strings at Ashton Gate than the hierarchy were willing to cede?
Denne historien er fra February 28, 2021-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra February 28, 2021-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
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MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.