Ambition of Andy Cook impressing Dean Keates at Walsall
Dean Keates believes Andy Cook has all the ingredients to thrive at Walsall – after revealing how the striker was prepared to put career ambitions ahead of financial gain.
Cook last month became Keates’ first signing for the Saddlers when he agreed a two-year deal, just days after helping Tranmere to promotion from the National League Premier.
The 27-year-old has scored at least 20 goals in each of the last four seasons but arrived at the Banks’s still awaiting his first career appearance in the EFL.
Keates revealed how Cook had turned down a lucrative offer to remain in non-league, such is his determination to prove himself in League One.
The boss said: “He got offered more money to go elsewhere and stay in the National League Premier.
“But he is eager to get his shot in the league and I think that speaks volumes about his character.
“As soon as we had secured our League One status it was a deal I was desperate to get over the line. I think he can be a big player for us.”
Keates revealed how he had previously tried, unsuccessfully, to sign Cook while manager of Wrexham.
Cook netted 27 goals for Tranmere last season and the boss believes he has vital experience and know-how. “He isn’t the kind of striker who is going to run the channels and he is not always going to be easy on the eye,” said Keates.
“But I like him because he is a handful and he does the ugly side of the game well.
“He’s savvy and we didn’t have enough of that in the team last season,” the boss continued.
“On top of all that, he scores goals.”
Keates’s next step is to continue to strengthen the supply line to Cook following the arrival of Josh Ginnelly.
Zeli Ismail, who impressed while on loan from Bury in the first half of last season, is one possible target.
The 24-year-old Wolves academy product was released by the Shakers last month and is being tracked by a number of clubs.
Former Saddler Milan Lalkovic could also come under consideration.
