Paul Cook tipped by Wigan Athletic old-boy for big job

Former Wigan Athletic captain Stephen Warnock says Paul Cook would be the ideal candidate to fill the managerial vacancy at Sunderland.
By Paul Kendrick
Published 3rd Dec 2020, 10:26 BST
Updated 3rd Dec 2020, 10:30 BST
Paul Cook on the touchline with Leam RichardsonPaul Cook on the touchline with Leam Richardson
Paul Cook on the touchline with Leam Richardson

Cook has been out of the game since stepping down as Latics boss shortly after the club was relegated to League One - only after being deducted 12 points for being placed into administration.

Having been linked with a number of other jobs that have since been filled, Cook is one of the frontrunners for the Sunderland post vacated recently by Phil Parkinson.

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And speaking on Wednesday night's 'EFL on Quest', Warnock says Cook's promotion pedigree - he won lower-league titles at Chesterfield, Portsmouth and Wigan between 2014-18 - makes him stand out from the crowd.

“I think it’s a role that needs a strong figure, who’s been under pressure before, and knows what it’s like to manage a big club," said Warnock.

“You think of what he did at Portsmouth and Wigan...I think he could do it at Sunderland too.”

Ironically, Latics travel to Sunderland this weekend, with Cook's long-time No.2 Leam Richardson continuing to take charge on a temporary basis.

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Related topics:Paul CookSunderlandLeague OneLeam RichardsonChesterfield