Daniels one of many jewels in Cook’s crown

LINING up against Donervon Daniels was a reminder just what Dale were missing.

The Wigan centre back was recalled from his loan spell at Dale in January and Keith Hill admitted he was missed at the Crown Oil Arena.

“It’s a shame we still don’t have him. I love Donervon to bits. It took him a little while to catch up to the speed and I think he took for granted when he came to the club that he would play, but he realised that he had to work extra hard , not just because he’s a new player but because he has to earn the respect. When you go into an environment you have to ear respect, regardless of whether you are bottom of the league or top of the league.

“He eventually got the respect of the players to play regularly and everybody was deflated when he had to go back to Wigan – I know I was when I drove into work and I got the phone call off Cooky!

“He’s a big loss to us but he’s a big gain to Wigan and he’s got the experience to see Wigan over the line.

“When the Wigan team sheet came out I’d forgotten some of the players that Cooky had! The squad of players that he’s got at his disposal, if you look at the bench as well, it’s the best League One squad I’ve seen.

“I don’t think they will suffer, when they get promoted, in the same way they did last time. Cooky is a great leader, he knows how to lead a team over the line, but for him to be able to change the players that he did and make it almost seamless, wow!

“It’s brilliant what Cooky’s doing, but there is a pressure to it - he has to get the club promoted.

“It’s a different type of pressure to what I am doing, but I am sure he will steer this club into the Championship.”