by Kippax » Tue Sep 06, 2011 10:20 am
Hmmmmm! Difficult one this or is it?
Think everyone knows that I am a huge fan of Garry Cook, never used to be it has to be said but he has grown on me the more I have got to know him and appreciate his work. Wouldn't say I'm a mate but have got to know him over he last couple of years and particularly from the tours. Found him very approachable as he is with all supporters as has been proved with his meet the fans walkabouts in Schalke and Denmark. More Importantly I have found him to be human particularly. During the South Africa tour and last years tour of The States.[scroll][/scroll]
OK, he has been prone to the odd gaff, but in reality have any of them been that bad. The bottle it one was spot on, we were used from day one there. The comments about Frank- can't recall him at any time actually saying he liked the fellow he more liked danced round he question. The Uwe one was unfortunate and in all probability a joke that went wrong. With regard to this one, well- we have all been guilty of it at some stage making light of others misfortunes Cookies mistake was seemingly getting caught doing it.
We don't know whether or not there were any other circumstances leading up to this either, I am however aware Of something going on at about that time that may have been a contributing factor but I am not at liberty to discuss it. Sorry, that kind of makes that comment dead.
The whole timing of this does, I'm afraid smack of Kias involvement. It is widely known that KIA has had an unhealthy amount of power and access within the club over the last few years and that he has been using the Daily Mail as his mouthpiece for his outpourings in return for them promoting stories in a favourable light when he wants to move a player on. It is also widely known that Marwood and Cook have been trying hard of the last couple of years to freeze him out, and their hard ball policy regarding Tevez and seemingly Ned's failure to find a suitable outcome to his future during the transfer window has obviously riled Kia.
I'm not trying to make light of what Cookie has seemingly done, and I have absolutely no doubt that Ned's Mum has been upset by the whole affair, but it seems strange that she was so upset that she now wants to drag it all up through the papers again when almost a year has passed by, and I can't really see why she would think that The League and the FA would get involved. No, I see this as an attempt to muddy the waters and make things difficult for Gary. Also, if she is handling Ned's affairs then why is KIA on board anyway? It surprises me that Ned has got involved with Kia. Again, I have spoken to Ned quite a few time and have always found him a delight to talk to. Very sensible and level headed so he must have known that if he hooked up with Kia it would role a few people at the club
This matter really needs to be resolved at the earliest opportunity but in my opinion it would be a huge mistake to get rid of Cook. He has been heavily instrumental on the business dealings over the last two years and also bringing the fans and the club closer together. Inviting fans to the kit launch has been a big plus for me as well as the fans zone which as heavily suggested following the trips to Schalke and Hamburg. I'm not saying all the Ideas are his but he has the ability to get things done. He is also highly regarded within the club by staff and in the business world. Anyway you don't necessarily have to like someone to see what an asset they are. I've employed quite a few people who I dislike but respect their work
It's a no brainer in my view, cook should stay, he's too valuable to lose at this stage and it would be very hard to bring someone in who could hit the ground running, unless you promote from within, and I don't think that we quite have anyone of that acumen. Although Danny Wilson would be a good bet in three or four years time. If, and only if, Cook has sent this email then there should be a humble and sincere apology in private and the matter pit to rest with a statement saying the matter has been resolved. Case closed.
Kippax.