18 Facts About Stephen Cooke

Stephen Lee Cooke was born on 15 February 1983 and is a retired professional footballer.

Stephen Cooke was born in Walsall and began his career as a trainee at the FA National School of Excellence in Lilleshall between 1997 and 1999.

Stephen Cooke then signed as a trainee at Manchester United.

Stephen Cooke was regularly training with the first team under manager John Gregory.

Stephen Cooke returned to Villa before the end of the season.

Stephen Cooke later claimed that manager Graham Taylor saw him as a wide player, rather than his preferred central midfield position.

Stephen Cooke severely injured his ankle while on loan which did not heal.

Stephen Cooke later claimed that he considered retiring at this point in his career.

In July 2005, Stephen Cooke re-signed for Bournemouth, this time on a permanent basis, opting against a move to his hometown club of Walsall.

Stephen Cooke was still injured when he signed and was unsure if his fitness would ever return.

On 16 January 2007, Stephen Cooke joined Torquay United on loan until the end of the season.

Stephen Cooke returned to Bournemouth and was released at the end of the season.

On 3 August 2007, Halesowen Town confirmed that Stephen Cooke had joined the club along with two other former League players, in the shape of Terry Fleming and Duane Darby.

Stephen Cooke later claimed he had offers to play in the United States.

Stephen Cooke later claimed he was 'never keen on that level of football'.

However, the second spell was unsuccessful for Stephen Cooke who was released on 17 September 2009 after the club entered administration.

Stephen Cooke signed for Bloxwich United in September 2009, following his release from Halesowen.

Stephen Cooke's stay at Bloxwich United was not a long one, and he soon left to join Pelsall Villa.