Ex-Black Cats striker Jordan makes surprise move to Heed

Former Sunderland striker Jordan Cook has set his sights on promotion after joining National League North club Gateshead.

T h e We a r s i d e - b o r n frontman made three Premier Leagues appearances for the Black Cats under Steve Bruce during the 2010/11 s ea s o n b e fo re h e joi n e d Charlton Athletic at the end of the following campaign.

Cook went on to represent the likes of Walsall and Luton Town in the Football L ea g ue but h a s s p e nt th e last two years with Sky Bet League Two club Grimsby Town.

The 30-year-old was rel ea s e d by th e M a r i n e r s at the end of last season after scoring eight goals in 49 appearances during his time at Blundell Park.

Cook has now returned to the North East after joining Gateshead on a deal lasting until the end of the current season and he is confident that he can help his new side challenge for promotion into non-league’s top tier.

He told the club website: “When you look at the squad, I think this squad has quality all over.

“Hopefully, I can add to that and obviously our goal this season is to get promoted.

“I f I c a n h e l p b y a ny means, I am sure I will.

“The lads are all on the same wavelength and that is our definite goal this season.”

Former Sunderland forward Jordan Cook.

Cook has been involved in discussions over a deal at Gateshead for the last three weeks – but he officially put pen to paper on Tuesday afternoon.

He could now make his

d ebut i n Satu rd ay ’s h o m e game against high-flying Gloucester City as Mike Williamson’s side go looking for a second league win of the season.

Cook is relishing the opportunity to get started and believes that Gateshead are “a go o d f i t” fo r h i s s tyl e o f play.

“It’s been in the pipeline for a few weeks now and I am just happy to get it done,” he explained.

“I know a couple of the lads already, so it’s easy just to bed in and I am happy to get on the training pitch and get back to work.

“Mike (Williamson), Ian

Wat s o n ) , h o w h i g h l y t h e lads spoke of them, Gateshead playing the right way, it suits my style of football.

“I wanted to get back into football and Gateshead is a good fit for me.”