Kelvin Davis backs Jamie Cooke to become Hednesford Town fans' favourite

Kelvin Davis has tipped summer signing Jamie Cooke to become a firm fans’ favourite at Hednesford Town.

Cooke has made an electric start to life at Keys Park, scoring four goals during pre-season so far.

The attacking midfielder became the Pitmen’s first signing of the summer after joining from National League side Halifax Town, and boss Davis has been impressed by both his performances and his attitude.

“Jamie, for me, is someone that epitomises what you want from your team and certainly what I want from my team,” he told the Express & Star.

“His work rate, his attitude, his enjoyment of putting on a Hednesford Town shirt.

“You can see already, he loves playing for the football club. When we think about the recruitment process, first of all, we go after a profile, we look to see what's out there and what we like.

“When you get to meet the lad and he’s in among it, he’s infectious with his work rate and his attitude. He’s someone that really wants to be here.

“That’s not isolated just with Jamie Cooke, that’s with everyone who's signed.

“For us, it was very important that we sign players that come in to play for the football club, not necessarily just to play for me.

“It’s something that I think is important, that fans feel that, the fans see that.

“He will be a fans’ favourite, there’s no doubt about that. It’s more to do with his character as much as what he gives on the pitch.”

Cooke came through the youth ranks at Fleetwood Town before moving to Colne.

He joined Halifax in 2021 and gained further senior experience during loan spells with FC United of Manchester, Matlock Town and Curzon Ashton.

During his time at The Shay, Cooke wrote his name into the club’s history books by scoring the winning goal at Wembley in May 2023 as Halifax beat Gateshead 1-0 to lift the FA Trophy.