Nottingham Forest’s promotion-winning defender Steve Cook has spoken about his time at the City Ground, admitting he wishes he could change one thing about his time at the club.
The 32-year-old joined the Reds on a free from Bournemouth in January 2022, becoming a key figure in the Forest backline during the promotion campaign of 2021/22.
Cook started the Premier League campaign as a regular starter but saw himself drop down the pecking order behind the likes of Joe Worrall, Moussa Niakhate and Scott McKenna.
After the January transfer window last season, the defender was subsequently not included in Forest’s 25-man Premier League squad – but was unable to find another club before the closure of the window.
Before his eventual departure in August, Cook spent months with the Forest academy and took on coaching roles helping progress the next generation of talent at the club.
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Steve Cook on his one wish at Nottingham Forest
Speaking on the Garibaldi Red Podcast this week, the defender admitted that he loved his time at the club, but would change one thing about his stint at the City Ground.
“It’s a strange one there wasn’t much playing time at all which was a shame.
“From when I first joined I saw myself being there for a while but the amount that happened in a short space of time I wouldn’t change.
“It’s really nice to be called a fan favourite and I wish I could have played a lot more but I’m very proud of what did happen over the 18 months I was there.
“Even though I didn’t play as much as I would’ve hoped, I wouldn’t change a thing because we got promoted.
“I helped contribute to keeping the club in the Premier League and now look at the signings that they’re making and the steps forward that they will take from here so I’m really pleased.”
Cook may only have featured 34 times for the club, but he will always be remembered for his contribution in a season that will go down in Nottingham Forest’s history.