Meet the Players – Cody Cooke

Fresh from scoring a dramatic late winner against Concord Rangers, we caught up with leading scorer Cody Cooke ahead of Saturday’s Trophy clash with Dartford.

Firstly, how good a feeling was it to score the winner against Concord and earn those three points?

“Firstly, what a feeling!! There is no better feeling than scoring the winner for a striker. I was so happy for everyone at Twerton, and the boys. It was fully deserved and a result we hope to build on.”

Results have not gone to plan as a whole this season so far, can you put your finger on why?

“It’s so tough to put your finger on, and ultimately we will continue to do everything we can as players and as staff to pull results around. We absolutely believe in the group of players we have at this football club and we will do everything we can to try and start climbing the table again.”

How happy have you been about your own form?

“I personally don’t like to look at myself as an individual, but what I’m bringing to the team overall. There is no avoiding the fact as a striker you have a rôle to score goals, but aside from the goals that I’ve scored, I’ve been really pleased with my overall performances and play throughout the season; long may that continue.”

Do you have a goals target that you are looking to reach, is 20 a realistic aim?

“I think you have to set targets, some people share those and others like to keep them to themselves. Having spoken to a few members of staff, they have never had a 20-goal striker in their time at the football club. I would love to be able to achieve that, and meet a new career high. We have a lot of games to go, and I’ve always said that if I can stay fit, I know I will contribute with goals.”

Today sees the start of the FA Trophy for Bath City, how important would a run in the competition be?

“It’s cliche of course, but cup competitions are great. It’s nice to come away from the league sometimes and cup competitions give you that opportunity. A run would be great for everyone, but for the supporters it would be especially great, given our not great start to the league campaign, and for us it could really re-ignite our league form.”

What is the mood like in the dressing room ahead of today’s game against top of the league Dartford?

“Playing a team such as Dartford is always great. You get to test yourself against some of the top players in the league, also a top manager. Although we lost to them earlier this year, I thought the game overall was a good spectacle. We gave them a real good test and we will be hoping for more of the same.”

How much have you enjoyed playing in front of the Twerton fans so far?

“The fans have been brilliant. It’s so easy to come to any club and say that as a new player, but I really mean it. The numbers they have come out in, every single week, both home and away, has been incredible. We hope to put some more smiles on faces and I hope Saturday was a start for that.”

Finally, what message do you have for the fans after last week’s win and looking further ahead?

“I think my message is to just stick with the group like they have done so far this season. We are doing everything we can to turn results around, and your support is so important for us to be able to put a run of results together. Last week was a glimpse of what we are truly capable of. Thank you for your continued support, we are truly grateful.”