Brad Halliday overjoyed at teammate Andy Cook’s return to Bradford squad

Local TV Sport

Daniel Wales reports as Bradford City’s Brad Halliday shared his happiness over the return of Andy Cook to full fitness, ahead of Bradford’s match against Doncaster Rovers.

Transcript

00:00Bradford City are away from home this weekend in League One, taking on Doncaster Rovers.

00:06And we've already heard from Graeme Alexander previewing that match itself.

00:11And Alexander himself was very much happy to talk about Andy Cook's return in midweek against Grimmersby Town in the EFL Trophy.

00:19And now we've heard from Brad Halliday of the Bantam squad,

00:23who himself was also over the moon at Andy Cook's return to the playing squad after what was a long road back from injury.

00:31So let's hear from Brad Halliday himself to hear exactly what he thought with regards to Andy Cook returning to Bradford's playing squad.

00:39And of course, not just returning, but making a triumphant return, scoring not just once, but twice,

00:45as Bradford came from behind to beat Grimmersby Town at Valley Parade in midweek in the EFL Trophy to win the game by two goals to one.

00:54That would have been quite the moment and quite the feeling for the North East Bones striker,

00:59who, as mentioned, has been out for some time now for the Bantams.

01:02But he is back, and certainly Brad Halliday, as well as his manager, Graeme Alexander,

01:07well, they were all just so happy that Andy Cook was back playing.

01:11So let's hear exactly what Brad Halliday had to say about the returning Andy Cook now.

01:18Yeah, it was unbelievable.

01:20It's a really special moment for him, obviously coming back from such a big injury in itself.

01:27But to then score and then get the winner in added time, yeah, it's unbelievable.

01:34How's he been this morning?

01:35Yeah, he's still on cloud nine.

01:37Big smile from ear to ear.

01:39But rightly so, it's been a long, long journey for him, and he's over the back of it now

01:46and looking forward to getting back and playing games.

01:50You've obviously been in close quarters with him over that nine months or so,

01:53and as someone who understands that road to recovery and that journey,

01:58what's it been like for him from your perspective?

02:00Yeah, it's been tough, you know, it's not easy.

02:04I don't know, everyone sort of says the same, but just like in the off-season, for example,

02:10with obviously the highs of last season, and he was sort of back down to earth quite quickly

02:15with being in three to four times over the off-season weekly.

02:20So he's worked hard to get to where he is, and I'm just proud and glad that he's reaping the rewards from that.

02:29And as I say, as someone who, from your perspective, has gone through that recovery,

02:34have you at all played a role, whether big or small, in just being that supportive voice at times?

02:41Yeah, no, he's asked me, you know, he asked me humorous things about it.

02:45Obviously, with myself doing it, it makes sense, but just trying to keep him sort of upbeat

02:52and stuff like that during some tough times because it does get a bit repetitive and stuff.

02:59I remember when he first did it, me and my partner got him a big hamper

03:03with just stuff like collagen shots and stuff that he'll need along the road.

03:09So, as I say, I'm just obviously buzzing and everyone else is that he's sort of back out on the grass

03:16and moments like last night just make it all worthwhile.

03:20And just finally, Andy, you know, again, as someone who's gone through it,

03:23how important is that family network?

03:25You know, you've experienced it just to have that support around you.

03:27Yeah, it's massive, as you say.

03:31I know he's part of the case.

03:32She only made a massive part in that and just trying to keep him upbeat and stuff

03:37because, as I say, it does get sort of boring and repetitive.

03:40When he comes in, we sort of try and have a laugh and a joke.

03:44And again, if we see his mood slightly lower one day,

03:47as lads, we try and pick him up and sort of keep him pushing to where he's wanted to get to.

03:53And as I say, last night is sort of the first step back, I suppose.

03:58And we shouldn't get lost on the fact that it was his two goals that led to a win for you as a team

04:02and continued what's been a brilliant start to the season for this football club.

04:06From your perspective, how have you found it?

04:09Because obviously, maybe not as much game time as what we've been used to over your time at Bradford City.

04:14No, yeah, definitely.

04:15It's been tough, but it's just about working hard.

04:20And as you say, the window's just closed now, so we've got a squad of players who's going to take us forward.

04:27And you look through the squad, it's really sort of healthy strength and depth.

04:32So, yeah.

04:34And as I say, on a personal side, it's just keep myself fit and right.

04:38So if I am needed or called upon, I'm always sort of available to give my best for the team.

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