Ipswich eye promotion under Cook

IPSWICH Town have announced the appointment of former Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook as their new manager.

Cook, 54, has signed a deal until the summer of 2023 to succeed Paul Lambert, who departed the Sky Bet League One club by mutual consent on Sunday.

The new Portman Road chief had been linked to the recent vacancies at both Bristol City and Bristol Rovers.

Ipswich owner Marcus Evans told the club’s official website: “I’m delighted to announce that Paul Cook is our new manager.

“He has a proven track record in getting clubs promoted and, importantly, not only knows the challenges League One presents, but also has experience of working in the Championship and getting back to that level remains our primary focus.”

Cook, who has won promotion three times as a manager, said: “I want to wish Paul (Lambert) and Stuart (Taylor) all the best for the future. I know them both and it’s a hard business, football.”

The former Chesterfield and Portsmouth boss added: “I’m proud to be in this position and I’ll be doing everything possible to repay the faith Marcus has shown in me.

“Winning promotion is the immediate target. It will be a big challenge, but it’s a challenge that everyone at the club has a part to play in.”

Hereford FC have been drawn at home to Woking in the semifinals of the FA Trophy.

The National League North Bulls will host the side from the division above on Saturday, March 27. The winners will also collect £15,000 in prize money.

Notts County play Hornchurch in the other semi-final.