The 35-year-old veteran forward, who only recently made his comeback following a serious ACL injury, came off the bench to net his side’s only goal in what ended as a 4-1 defeat against the defending Carabao Cup champions.
Cook, originally from Bishop Auckland in County Durham, has been a Newcastle United supporter his entire life. Despite his long career, he had never before stepped onto the pitch at St James’ Park as a player. That made the occasion even more memorable.
“Moments like this are what dreams are made of,” he shared in an interview with BBC Radio Leeds.
“After everything I’ve gone through with the injury and the long road back to fitness, simply stepping onto the pitch tonight felt incredible. To actually score a goal as well—it’s left me lost for words.”
Cook admitted he was thrilled when his manager called him on. “I was buzzing to get some minutes under my belt. I’m desperate to play more, but with the team performing strongly I know I’ve got to be patient and wait for my chance.”
The striker revealed that the evening was made even more special with loved ones in attendance.
“My family and close friends were all here, and some of my mates were even sat in the home end. To play here, in front of them, is nothing short of a privilege.”
His strike came midway through the second half, reducing the deficit to 3-1. Cook reacted quickest to a loose ball, smashing it in off the underside of the crossbar from the edge of the box. Unfortunately for his side, Newcastle youngster Will Osula restored their three-goal cushion late on.
That goal, however, carried individual significance. It was Cook’s 89th for the club, a tally that now makes him Bradford’s outright fourth-highest scorer in history. Reflecting on the moment, he admitted the sequence was a blur.
“The ball just seemed to hit us, and I saw a few of their lads appealing for handball. It all unfolded so quickly. It fell nicely, and I thought ‘just hit it.’ When it clipped the bar, I wasn’t sure it would cross the line, but when it did, I was over the moon. Scoring at St James’ Park—it’s simply astonished.”
Meanwhile, Graham Alexander’s Bradford City continue to impress in League One, building on last season’s promotion from League Two with a strong start to the campaign.
