Members News: Sky Blues’ 1987 F.A.Y.C. Winner Is 56 Today. ‘Happy Birthday’ Mike!!
In a busy day for former Sky Blue players’ birthdays the Association sends its very best wishes for a special ‘Happy Birthday’ today to former Sky Blue youth midfielder Mike Cook. Mike was born in Stroud on 18th October 1968 and is therefore celebrating his 56th Birthday today!
Mike’s career began at Highfield Road in 1985, where a major claim to fame came early on, as he was part of the club’s famous F.A.Cup ‘double’ in 1987. Not only did the seniors bring the F.A.Cup trophy back to the city after an exhilarating Wembley win over ‘Spurs but the juniors followed suit winning the F.A.Youth Cup over two legs, beating Charlton Athletic.
Mike (left) with CCFPA’s Bob Eales
Mike was an important member of that youth squad and was signed up to CCFPA in 2012 when we were celebrating the 25th Anniversary of both achievements (left). Mike only made the Sky Blues first team once in a League Cup tie against Luton Town on 27th October 1987 (played at Leicester City‘s Filbert Street) and, after a brief loan spell at York City he signed for Cambridge United on a free in 1989.
Sadly, there his opportunities were limited through injuries and he appeared only seventeen times in two seasons. However, he did score an important goal for his club at Aldershot to help cement a play-off position for the U’s in 1989–90 and did sit on the bench at Wembley as a sub in their 1–0 victory over Chesterfield!
After another loan spell at York City, a spinal injury forced the midfielder’s early retirement from the professional game aged only 22 so Mike had to content himself with non league experience with the likes of Wycombe Wanderers, Corby Town, Cambridge City and others.
Once he hung up his boots finally Mike worked for both Cambridge United and Cheltenham Town as ‘Football in the Community’ officer and has had management experience at both Gloucester City (2004 & 2019), Cinderford Town and from September 2023 he replaced former CCFC ‘keeper Tim Flowers as ‘gaffer’ (once more) at Gloucester City.
Mike Cook at the PFA
After a decade at Cheltenham, Mike also (2009) delivered coaching programmes for the Professional Footballers Association and FA before joining the P.F.A. Coaching Staff in 2010 where he delivered L2 CCF and UEFA B Courses as the PFA Regional Coach Educator in the South West.
Coincidentally, Sky Blues Legend from the 1980s Brian Borrows who had the ill luck to miss out through injury playing in the Sky Blues 1987 F.A.Cup winning final also joined the P.F.A. in 2009 as another of their Regional Coach Educators, in his case for in the East Midlands!
It was good to see Mike a few seasons ago when the Sky Blues played Burnley at the CBS Arena when he also caught up with fellow CCFPA members and Sky Blue contemporaries Howard Clark and David Smith.
Have a great birthday today Mike and come back and see us again soon when work commitments allow!
