STEVE Cook used his exile from Nottingham Forest’s Premier League squad to step up his work in coaching.

The Cherries legend left the south coast after more than a decade of service to join the Tricky Trees in January 2022, playing a key role in helping the club to promotion via the play-offs.

Cook featured regularly for the club during the first half of this Premier League season, making 12 top-flight appearances.

However, following an influx of new signings, the 32-year-old was left out of Forest’s 25-man squad by boss Steve Cooper for the second half of the league campaign.

His most recent game for the club came in a 4-1 FA Cup defeat at Blackpool in January, and he continued to train with the first team despite being unavailable for selection.

“It wasn’t expected at the time,” the centre-back told BBC Radio Solent, discussing his squad omission.

“But one of those now where you have to dust yourself down and just get ready for what comes next.

“I’ve got another year left at Forest come the end of the season, so it will be a decision to be made in the summer. I’ve got to be ready for that, so I’m not sitting about sulking.

“I’m doing some coaching in the academy and just keeping myself busy.”

He added: “I’m not planning on retiring just yet. I thought I’d keep myself busy.

“I love the game, I enjoy coaching, so no better way. It’s a good academy here, has got some really good players, so I thought I’d throw myself in early and start working on that experience and what I want to do come the end of my career.”

Many of Cook’s former Cherries teammates have gone into coaching, notably Tommy Elphick at Cherries, as well as Shwan Jalal now working alongside Eddie Howe at Newcastle.

“I actually spoke to him (Jalal) a couple of months ago,” said Cook.

“He’s done outstandingly well.

“Players that I’ve played with doing that gives you a bit of confidence that there is a bit of that that I fancy as well.

“It’s nice to pick their brains and see how they got there and how much they love the game still.

“It’s nice for me, but hopefully I won’t be crossing that bridge too early. I’m still hungry to play games.”