A report by The Athletic has claimed that Dane Murphy didn’t want Nottingham Forest to sign Steve Cook last January. The Reds gave the centre-back a three-year contract and the now departed CEO wasn’t keen on the idea.
Ultimately someone above him had the final say. Head coach Steve Cooper was keen to sign Cook as he looked to get Forest into a position to compete for promotion.
The man signed from Bournemouth was an exceptional signing. His leadership and experience was evident from the get-go and he proved to be a large part of the club winning promotion.
Cook made 20 appearances for the Reds during their promotion-winning campaign of 2021/22. He was part of a back three that often featured Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna, with the Reds playing some wonderful football.
It’s been claimed that Murphy didn’t want the player. His criteria for signing new recruits involved younger players being targeted and transfer fees now being paid for players over the age of 26.
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The American CEO departed this week after a little over 18 months at the City Ground. Filippo Giraldo has been appointed as the club’s new sporting director and Murphy was shunted out somewhat.
Murphy didn’t want Cook and he made him look a little foolish
The central defender was an amazing addition during the January transfer window of 2022. He came into the club at a time when Forest were in mid-table and his experience proved vital.
Murphy was also a key part of Forest winning promotion. He was the model professional behind the scenes and he helped stabilise things in the boardroom with his meticulous approach.
Perhaps, however, he had some minor downfalls. Why anyone would not want to sign a player like Cook at a time when promotion is still on the table remains to be seen.
It’s interesting that things come out when someone departs the club. Signing Cook for three years doesn’t really seem that risky now that Forest have won promotion and Murphy has been proved wrong.