Cody Cooke chats moving from Scotland, the first home game of the season and the anticipation of welcoming fans back to football.
Amberley Silk (AS): You were in the starting 11 for the first game in the National League on Saturday. How do you feel to be a part of that and to be playing competitively again?
Cody Cooke (CC): Back playing competitively again is something I’ve missed. 14 months ago, was my last competitive 90 minutes of football, so it was good to get over that barrier on the weekend. I’m confident that if I have consistent minutes on the pitch, I can score goals and contribute to the team being successful, but I am also under no illusion that I am guaranteed a place in the team. It’s a long season and to be successful, you need a strong squad, which we have.
AS: The conditions were quite bad on Saturday, do you think that the result would have been different if the conditions were different?
CC: The conditions absolutely played a part in the game. There weren’t many chances for either team, and on another day, I am sure that the quality of play would have been better.
AS: How have you found the move down from Scotland? Do you feel as though you have you settled into the team well?
CC: The move from Scotland has no doubt been a big move, to be closer to home. It’s absolutely not been ideal, with everything that’s going on in the world right now, but the boys have been great, the staff have been great, and I’ve been made to feel very welcome at the club. It’s always difficult for new players to come into teams but everyone has been great, and it’s made the move more seamless.
AS: It’s your first home game tomorrow, it’s obviously going to be a little different without fans, but how is everyone feeling about it?
CC: The first home game back is one that everyone is looking forward to. It’s been a great fortress over the years for Weymouth, and no doubt the fans have played a huge part. We’ve got a good point on the road to build on, and home form this year is going to play a major part. We are all looking forward to getting back to the Bob Lucas.
AS: And finally, you’re yet to play in front of the Terras’ fans, is it something you’re looking forward to?
CC: Welcoming the Terras’ fans back when it’s safe to do so will be a hugely welcomed return. Fans make football matches and it’s a strange feeling with none around at the moment. I know many of them will be doing their best to watch from the streams the club has put out, but I know they will be desperate to get back watching football, just as much as we want them back. Hopefully, we can welcome a safe return, sooner rather than later.
AS: Thank you, and best of luck against Woking today.
