George Cook (footballer, born 1895)

George William Cook (27 February 1895 – 31 December 1980), sometimes known as Billy Cook, was an English professional footballer, best remembered for his spells as an inside left in the Football League with Huddersfield Town and Aston Villa.

Career

Early years Cook began his career with spells as a youth at Evenwood Juniors and Trindle Juniors and played for the Royal Artillery during the First World War. He joined Northern League club Bishop Auckland in 1919 and won the FA Amateur Cup in 1920–21 and 1921–22. A move to Second Division club Rotherham County followed in 1922.

Huddersfield Town Cook transferred to First Division club Huddersfield Town in 1923. He was a part of the most successful period in the club's history, winning the First Division championship in the 1923–24, 1924–25 and 1925–26 seasons. He scored 35 goals in 91 appearances before departing the Terriers in February 1927.

Aston Villa Cook transferred to First Division club Aston Villa in February 1927. While he failed to win any silverware, Cook was in prolific goalscoring form, scoring 40 goals in 61 matches before departing at the end of the 1928–29 season.

Tottenham Hotspur Cook transferred to Second Division club Tottenham Hotspur during the 1929 off-season. Now aged 34, he scored 30 goals in 73 appearances before his release in April 1931.

Brentford Cook moved across London to sign for Third Division South club Brentford during the 1931 off-season. In a mediocre season for the club, he scored three goals in 15 appearances. With the arrival of forwards Jack Holliday and Billy Scott, Cook departed Brentford at the end of the 1931–32 season.

Colwyn Bay United Cook ended his career in non-League football with spells at Birmingham & District League clubs Colwyn Bay United and Rhyl.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsHuddersfield Town1923–24First Division259102691924–25First Division259102691925–26First Division29141030141926–27First Division831093Total8735409135Aston Villa1926–27First Division139―1391927–28First Division35233438271928–29First Division9311104Total5735456140Tottenham Hotspur1929–30First Division3292134101930–31First Division3113213314Total6322426724Brentford1931–32Third Division South14310153Career total22195137234102

Honours Bishop Auckland FA Amateur Cup: 1920–21, 1921–22 Huddersfield Town Football League First Division: 1923–24, 1924–25, 1925–26

References