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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

From The Archives - Cooksey Joins The Bulls


Image copyright Nigel Hill/BN
Fifteen years ago this week goalkeeper Scott Cooksey joined Hereford United on a month long loan deal from Shrewsbury Town.

It might only be a short-term move, but Scott Cooksey admits his one-month loan at Hereford United will play a big part in his long-term future.

The giant goalkeeper's Football League dream has turned sour and he accepts he has no place in Shrewsbury Town's plans.

New boss Kevin Ratcliffe has told the keeper, signed by previous Shrews boss Jake King for £15,000 18 months ago from Hednesford, that he will be given a free transfer in the summer.

But joining Hereford for a temporary spell will give him the chance to revive his career - and put himself `in the shop window'.

"I'm just looking forward to playing and getting some games," said Cooksey, who still has 18 months on his contract.

"It's been a bit monotonous playing just in the reserves and it's been frustrating.

"I haven't been given a chance by the new boss at Shrewsbury so this move to Hereford puts me in the shop window.

"I've been speaking to clubs about playing next season but there's nothing definite so I hope I can do well at Hereford and take it from there. If it becomes a longer term thing, that would be great."

Ironically, Cooksey was due to make his debut today (January 29th) for Hereford at Hednesford, the club he served for four years.

But the 27-year-old will be no stranger to being the one-time hero cast as the villain.

After leaving Bromsgrove Rovers to join Peterborough, he was loaned to Welling - and made his bow against the Greens.

It was the same story when he had a spell at Stalybridge - and Rovers were again first up.

"As somebody always says: `it's a funny ol' game'," smiled Cooksey. "It will be strange to be in the opposition dressing room at Keys Park, but all I'll be thinking about will be keeping a clean sheet."

The match at Hednesford was delayed was delayed due to traffic congestion and didn't kick-off until 3.45pm.

Traffic hold-ups were the problem, but not for the Bulls.

Half of Graham Turner's team live in Birmingham, and the delay was caused by the Pitmen's reliance on players based in the north-west, all of whom were stuck in the same jam on the M6.

As one was goalkeeper Billy Stewart and manager John Baldwin didn't have a replacement, the referee was forced to put back the kick-off until he got there.

Hereford had the last laugh, though. Rob Elmes got the winning goal with just 13 minutes left and, as one would expect from the man who spends his weekdays as a Sutton Coldfield schoolteacher, he's never late for class.