Former Watford and QPR winger Lee Cook wants Championship football but could remain with Leyton Orient
9:28am Thursday 21st March 2013 in Latest Sport By Simon Mail
Lee Cook would like to play in the Championship next season: Simon O'Connor
Lee Cook is targeting Championship football next season but has not ruled out staying at Brisbane Road.
The former Watford and Queens Park Rangers winger signed a five-month contract at the start of the campaign and his form for the O’s earned him an extended deal until the end of this season.
Cook has admitted he thinks he can play at a higher level again but is open to the possibility of remaining in East London.
Cook said: “It’s possible [to stay here]. I’m still 30 years old and I’ve got plenty left in the tank. I’ve got to sit down in the summer with my agent and see what we’re going to do.
“I’ve not spoken to the gaffer yet about next season. It was always going to be until the end of this year originally when we first had a chat so at the minute I’ve not really thought about that. Come April 29 and the last game I’m sure I will know a bit more about that.
“I still feel I can play in the Championship 100 per cent. It would be nice if it could be with them [Orient] but everyone’s got aspirations to play at a higher level. I’ve been there and played there but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen.”
Cook’s promising career has been heavily disrupted by a series of injuries but he has finally managed to play on a regular basis this season. The former Fulham attacker appreciates manager Russell Slade for giving him the chance to rebuild his career and believes the move has worked well for everyone.
He said: “I’ve been grateful to the manager for bringing me here and giving me a full season. I don’t think I've played this many games for the last four years. I was speaking to the gaffer about it the other day so he’s helped me, I’ve helped him and it’s a good situation at the minute.”
Orient could still reach the play-offs this season and Cook has not given up hope of playing in the Championship with the club next season. The set-piece specialist insists confidence is high and sees no reason why they cannot creep into the top six by the end of next month.
Cook said: “At the minute it’s a confident dressing room and the manager’s got full confidence in us. Every game we’re going into we feel we’re going to win and that’s only a good thing at this stage of the season because there’s always a team that goes on a run and nicks it, so let’s see if it can be us.”
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