County uncatchable says ex-captain Cook (From South Wales Argus)

County uncatchable says ex-captain Cook

10:50am Tuesday 9th February 2010

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FORMER Newport County captain Aaron Cook admits that nobody in the Blue Square South really believes they can catch the Exiles.

Promotion rivals Thurrock, Dover, Woking and Chelmsford have all attempted to talk up their chances of reeling in County but Cook, now at play-off chasing Eastleigh, believes that they are certainties to win the title.

Cook started the season as skipper at Spytty Park but left the club under a cloud in October.

Manager Dean Holdsworth preferred the partnership of Paul Cochlin and Gary Warren in central defence and Cook was adamant that he did not want to leave.

The 30-year-old will be reunited with his former boss for the first time as Eastleigh host County in the league tomorrow night but he insists that there is no bad blood between the pair.

“I don’t expect to play as I think Dean and Ian (Baird, Eastleigh boss) have an agreement but even if I was I wouldn’t have anything to prove. There are no grudges,” said Cook.

“I still speak to people like Wayne Turk and Scott Rogers and I look out for the results.

“They have been pretty much faultless this season and I’m really pleased for everyone at the club, especially the fans and the backroom staff who have been through the tough times there.”

And while County have given the chasing pack a glimmer of hope by letting two goal leads slip in their past two matches, Cook believes that they will clinch promotion with ease.

“I’d be very surprised if anyone catches them,” he said.

“The other teams won’t admit it but I don’t think they are good enough to put the kind of run together to be able to catch County.

“They’ve got one hand on the title already.”

If Holdsworth’s men do maintain their massive 17-point advantage Cook will be due a medal having made 11 league appearances before his exit and he’s still targeting the play-offs with Eastleigh.

“Wayne joked that my medal would be in the post if they do win it and that would be great,” said Cook.

“I could make a bit of history if they win it and we get into the play-offs. I could be the first person to play for the two promoted sides from the Blue Square South. That would be a perfect season for me.”

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