Sean Cooke told to keep it up at AFC Telford
AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson has urged winger Sean Cooke to continue his pre-season form as the big Skrill Conference Premier kick-off edges nearer.
Cooke, 21, had appeared to be on his way out of the New Bucks Head in the close season after falling out with Watson and being transfer listed at the end of last year.
He finished the campaign on loan at former club AFC Fylde but has caught the eye in the Bucks' warm-up clashes.
He has netting in games against Shawbury United and Middlesbrough, prior to last night's trip to Nantwich Town.
And Watson, who has insisted the player will have a clean slate this season, has been delighted with his application so far.
He said: "He has trained extremely hard, he has got himself into great condition which is a credit to him, and he has scored a couple of goals.
"I am not looking to send him anywhere else and I never shut the door on him, anyway. When we signed him, he had a broken leg and we might have expected a bit too much too soon.
"There were issues. I don't think he trained hard enough, but that is all gone now. He went to Fylde and sometimes when you leave a club like Telford you realise what you are leaving behind.
"But he has made it abundantly clear that he wants to be here, so fair play to him."
Watson believes Cooke could be a fine offensive weapon in non-league's top tier this season, although he added that not every match is likely to suit his strengths.
Watson said: "He has got goals, he has got good delivery but it is horses for courses. There will be games when he'll be a big asset.
"But there will be other games when you realise that's not for him. He's a flair player, but when his chance comes along it's up to him to grasp it."
The Bucks will round off their pre-season preparations with a friendly at Stafford Rangers tomorrow (7.45pm) and a home clash against FC United of Manchester on Saturday.
They then make the long trip south to Welling on the opening day of the season on Saturday August 9.
Meanwhile, Telford's official travel club have confirmed the cost of coach travel to Welling will be £23 in advance for Supporters Trust members and £25 for non-members.
Pay-on-the-day prices willl be £25 for TUST members and £27 for non-members.
Coaches will depart the New Bucks Head at 10am on match-day.
