Ex-Sunderland forward makes surprise move to National League North side

The Wearside-born frontman made three Premier Leagues appearances for the Black Cats under Steve Bruce during the 2010/11 season before he joined Charlton Athletic at the end of the following campaign.

Cook went on to represent the likes of Walsall and Luton Town in the Football League but has spent the last two years with Sky Bet League Two club Grimsby Town.

The 30-year-old was released by the Mariners at the end of last season after scoring eight goals in 49 appearances during his time at Blundell Park.

Cook has now returned to the North East after joining Gateshead on a deal lasting until the end of the current season and he is confident that he can help his new side challenge for promotion into non-league’s top tier.

He told the club website: “When you look at the squad, I think this squad has quality all over.

“Hopefully, I can add to that and obviously our goal this season is to get promoted.

“If I can help by any means, I am sure I will.

“The lads are all on the same wavelength and that is our definite goal this season.”

Cook has been involved in discussions over a deal at Gateshead for the last three weeks – but he officially put pen to paper on Tuesday afternoon.

He could now make his debut in Saturday’s home game against high-flying Gloucester City as Mike Williamson’s side go looking for a second league win of the season.

Cook is relishing the opportunity to get started and believes that Gateshead are “a good fit” for his style of play.

“It’s been in the pipeline for a few weeks now and I am just happy to get it done,” he explained.

“I know a couple of the lads already, so it’s easy just to bed in and I am happy to get on the training pitch and get back to work.

“Mike (Williamson), Ian Watson), how highly the lads spoke of them, Gateshead playing the right way, it suits my style of football.

“I wanted to get back into football and Gateshead is a good fit for me.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package.

You'll find all the details at sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor