Grimsby Town: Barrow's Andy Cook could be first new face of the summer
GRIMSBY Town are homing in on their first transfer target of the summer – with Barrow forward Andy Cook believed to be close to a deal.
Although the club have not confirmed the identity of the target, the Telegraph understands that a deal for the 21-year-old frontman, who scored 17 goals in 39 appearances for the Bluebirds last season, could be nearing completion.
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UP FOR IT: Barrow's Andy Cook (right) battles with Mansfield Town's Anthony Howell.
If a move was to come off, Cook would become the Mariners' first signing of what is expected to be a busy summer for bosses Rob Scott and Paul Hurst, who are looking to bolster their current squad of 12 contracted players before the start of the season.
Cook began his career at Carlisle as a trainee and moved to Barrow in 2011 after two loan spells with the Cumbrian side. The north easterner scored 17 goals last season including two hat-tricks – one against champions Fleetwood Town in a 4-0 triumph.
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He was the top scorer for the Holker Street side – netting one more than former Scunthorpe frontman Adam Boyes.
Joint Town manager Paul Hurst recently dismissed any interest in Boyes, however, it would now appear the Mariners have swooped for his strike partner.
Six-foot-tall Cook would add further physicality and firepower to a forward line of Liam Hearn and Anthony Elding that bagged 45 goals between them last season.
While some of Town's rivals have already moved quickly to strengthen their squads, Scott and fellow boss Paul Hurst have previously stated that they will bide their time to ensure that the right players are drafted in.
Speaking to the Telegraph last week, Scott said: "It's cat and mouse with players at the moment though we have spoken to a few.
"We are looking for players who have that hunger; who want to take an opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the league."
Comments
by Horatius2
Wednesday, June 06 2012, 10:02PM
“Talk away. Why don't you give us one too many paragraphs about the virtues of our new signing?
Heaven forbid we should flag up a 29-goal striker already on our books.”
by Grantyy
Wednesday, June 06 2012, 9:03PM
“OK to talk now Horatius? even though you seemed to be the only one who didn't know the so called mystery signing that was to be unveiled the day you made your post was in fact, drum roll, ........Andy Cook!”
by Horatius2
Wednesday, June 06 2012, 12:18AM
“Really good idea to give Liam Hearn an excuse to leave.
because, you know, footballers don't ever read fan comments.
Imagine scoring 29 goals in a season, only to be compared unfavourably to someone who may or may not sign for us.
Morons.”
by 44wick
Tuesday, June 05 2012, 10:03PM
“With the right signings, we could finish in a top 10 spot next season.”
by Dexxx
Tuesday, June 05 2012, 9:20AM
“Gonnerly Spot on ,the art of building a team is to sign players better than those you already have .Recruiting ones of a similar standard is only maintaining the status quo ,something we are only too good at”
by gonnerly
Monday, June 04 2012, 4:51PM
“This guy will prove to be a better player than Hearn. Cook can score against the better teams in this league, not just the poorer sides like Hearn did last season. UTM.”
by cleefish70
Monday, June 04 2012, 2:10PM
“IMHO now is the time to stop the anti Fenty and get behind him and S@H ALSO NOT FORGETTING THE CLUB .
Because this is the start of the good things as our boss's are winners and wont take anything less of which many fans will agree we haven't seen since the Buckley days if Cook signs what
a line up myself I shall trust the boss's to bring in the right players because they are winners and like the fans want to see success now and get back in the league 2 football again.UTMM.”
by ArthurCrown
Monday, June 04 2012, 2:06PM
“Yes, looks like potentially a great acquisition (subject to the transfer going through of course). Obviously the name of the game is to get out of this league asap. With the likes of Forest Green throwing down the gauntlet with their intentions of signing a multiple of strikers of fairly prolific pedigree, let's hope we can a force to reckoned with in this department too by further adding another of Cook's scoring ability and having a real good go of getting out of this goodness forsaken league once and for all. Naturally it's also about shoring up the defence and having a gutsy and creative midfield who can also contribute in the goalscoring department. The clock is ticking and the Bennett money will eventually evaporate so the crossroads of "boom or bust" will be upon the club sooner than we think.I am hopeful we can have a successful season and is important we get out of the traps early and stamp our intentions and authority immediately.”
by grims45
Monday, June 04 2012, 9:17AM
“like it another goal scorer this will keep the forwards on there toes to stay in the team just get us out of this damn league please utm”