Steve Cook: 'I had to fill my weekends with other things because it hurt'

Over Cherries’ past two games, Steve Cook has written his own script in the latest chapter of his decade-long story at the Dorset club.

Two heroic blocks against Fulham on Friday night set tongues wagging both at Craven Cottage and on social media – as he helped Scott Parker’s side seal a precious 1-1 draw with the Championship leaders.

But Cook, by his own admission, insisted a few weeks ago he could not see himself getting in Parker’s squad, let alone leading the team out on the field.

He was not selected in Cherries’ matchday party for the first 17 games of the league season, before an injury to Lloyd Kelly left him as an unused substitute against Derby and Millwall.

Cook was then parachuted into Parker’s starting XI for the past two games against Coventry and Fulham – the 30-year-old looked like he had never been away.

Asked by the Daily Echo whether his wait for game time made him more appreciative of nights like Fulham, Cook replied: “Yeah. I forgot how much I loved football and I forgot how much I loved playing for this club.

“Because I had to kind of take myself away. I had to fill my weekends with other things because it hurt, you know? I was really hurt that I wasn’t involved.

“That’s where I am now. I have got a fire burning inside me to not let this go now.

“I probably didn’t appreciate playing as much when I was playing every week. You kind of get used to it and just take it for granted.

“Over the past four months where I haven’t been playing, it’s been frustrating, it’s been hard, I’ve learned a lot about myself.

“I have kept myself extremely fit. I have been waiting for this chance. I read the manager said eventually If I get the chance I have to take it, that’s what I am trying to do.”

He added: “It’s a difficult position for the manager himself. But I want to be in this team on merit.

“He has chosen a way to play, a selection of players to play and we have been doing unbelievably well. I owe it to the players around me and myself to be a professional – this is what I’m paid for.

“I don’t deserve to just start football matches. I have had to work really hard.

“I have tried to help the players that are in the team, around the team, Zeno (Ibsen Rossi). I’ve been with the under-23s, with Shaun Cooper, Tommy Elphick and it’s all a learning experience.

“I am only 30 years old, I’ve got plenty of football to give and I wouldn’t change the past four months at all.”

Head coach Parker insisted Cook had always been the “ultimate professional” while not being part of his matchday group.

And the former Brighton centre-back has not spent his time away sulking – instead he used the time wisely to enhance himself on and off the field.

“It was weird. Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t had it for a long time so it was nice to spend time with my family, watch other games and learn,” he replied, when asked what it was like without football on a Saturday.

“I am on my A Licence, so I have been learning about the game. That’s where I am at now – I feel like I am a much better player now.

“After being out of the team, I have learned so much off the coaching staff. I am a better player and I feel like I have added layers to my game watching football, learning and taking advice from people I have worked with in the past – and trying to make myself a better person and a better player.”

Cook’s current contract at Vitality Stadium expires at the end of this season.

Cherries risk losing him for free if they do not either offer him new terms, or sell him in the January transfer window.

Pre-contract agreements can also be made from clubs outside of England next month.

Asked whether he thought he would be at Cherries after January, Cook replied: “It’s a tough question. Two weeks ago, I couldn’t see myself getting in a squad, let alone playing and leading a team out still.

“So, who knows? My contract is up in the summer. I have to protect myself, I have a young family – they are my motivation.

“I am 30 years old, I have played a lot of football. I am ready to take on anything that comes my way.

“I am excited, who knows? I haven’t really thought too far ahead since I have been in the team.

“I just want to give everything to the club, players and management staff right now and I’m sure there will be conversations in the coming weeks.

“I am sure they will happen because I am in the team right now. Obviously, in the summer I was told I could leave – it didn’t happen.

“We are a few months down the line now, a few weeks off the January transfer window, who knows?

“But my commitment has always been to the club and whatever comes my way, we will deal with it as myself and the club.

“Hopefully everything gets sorted out and I can continue to play football.”

Cook could once again be involved when Cherries host Blackburn Rovers in the league on Saturday.