A warm welcome to The Valley for Jordan Cook.
@DartfordAddick dons his whites to get the lowdown on Charlton's first new recruit of the summer....
-------------------
Jordan Cook
Age – 22
Height – 5ft 9 (1.75M)
Place of birth – Sunderland
Position(s) – Versatile Striker / Wide manThe local Sunderland boy came through the youth ranks at the Black Cats before being released on the 19th May 2012. The young attacker debuted for Sunderland on Boxing Day 2010 against Manchester United.
Background:Cook failed to make an impact at Sunderland, and has had 3 loan spells away from his parent club. The most successful spell was his most recent with Carlisle, where he played against the Addicks in the 1-0 victory which sealed our promotion to The Championship. In total, he also scored 4 goals in 14 appearances for Carlisle.
Other spells included a short stint at Darlington, where Cook unfortunately sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury which limited his stay with The Quakers to only 5 appearances. Following rehabilitation, he was sent on loan to Walsall, scoring once in eight appearances. During his stay with The Saddlers he also featured against Charlton, hitting the post in the process.
Style:Quick footed, skilful with both feet, and seemingly prepared to take on opponents. Tthe young attacker, who has played out up front, out wide or behind the striker, could prove to be a real asset to Charlton if he is able to step up and scare defenders at a higher level. Perhaps not necessarily an all-out trickster, but he seems to want to use his pace and energy to get through opposing defences. Cook appears to have a good delivery and get into attacking positions, although for a striker his scoring record so far hasn't been prolific.
What they say: * -
“He's really quick and skilful. Scored some excellent goals for us. Bags of potential. Not the finished article. Really good signing.” (Carlisle supporter)
- “Can play up top, second striker or out wide. Can't remember his footage pal. Although I think he's two footed.” (Carlisle supporter)
- “Pity about him really.......thought he would make the grade when I watched him for the first few times, then (and I can vouch for this personally but won't divulge how) he became too up his own arse and the fame (in his own head) got to him.....as it has with others I have to admit, and I am not just picking him out.” (Sunderland supporter)
- “He probably won't get 20 goals a season but will certainly make a decent contribution. Good luck to him” (Carlisle supporter)OverallThe signing itself looks similar to the signing of Smith and Bover twelve months ago; players Chris Powell feels he and his staff can mould into successful players, and aim to utilize these potential talents to allow the steady progress of the playing staff to continue.
People may be worried about the attitude problem, although it is worth noting we signed players who other clubs supporters might brand ‘bad egg’ but have shown great character and no (known) issues here in SE7. Personally have faith that Powell has secured a player of potential real quality.
Welcome aboard Mr Cook.
*Quotes from Twitter and Readytogo.net 
Comments
Be interesting to see how Bover has progressed this pre-season
Maybe I'm just getting older !
Be interesting to see what his best positions turns out to be. Not a bad goalscoring record at Carlisle for an attacking midfielder.
FM has him down as a right footed winger that can also play comfortably up front and on the left wing. Good left foot with reasonable pace and skill. Will see if I can find anything more out from the Sunderland and Carlisle researchers.
hope this will be a regular feature.
As for Cook, he is probably not here to be the main goalscorer or maybe even automatic first choice to start with, but is young and got some good attributes, looking forward to seeiming him in pre season and you never know, out of all the 20+ signings last season, there were quite a few who underwelmed a few and the vast majority worked out so let's see where Powell sees him. The 7 subs rule will help Cook aswell.
In SCP we trust, as they say.
;o)
Me, no idea. Don't remember seeing him play so will wait until we do.
Linvoy Primus, Matt Elliott, Michael Turner etc etc. About time we were the ones trying to spot young talent elsewhere with a view ro developing it.
Really hope this lad comes in and develops into something great. Won't be expecting too much any time soon though.
But some sympathy with Golfie's point. You can be overwhelmed or underwhelmed, depending on how full/empty you habitually view the glass. But I doubt there's a single one of us can claim it constitutes the statement of intent we were looking for?
I still think we need another left footer to Jacko even if it means signing Lee Cook unless it is felt Bover or Harriott could be ready.
Does anyone know if we have any triallists reporting for training ?