BERWICK boss Stewart Dickson admits it was a “no brainer” to snap up top star Craig Cook.
The Jewson Bandits swooped to sign the former British Champion and Shielfield Park specialist for the 2025 season.
Cook, 37, has been a top No.1 in the Cab Direct Champion for over a decade and this will be his first stint in the black and gold.
Dickson explained that Berwick had moved quickly to make a deal with Cook after learning of his availability following last week’s British Speedway AGM in Tenerife.
He said: “It was a no-brainer really. When riders of Craig’s calibre become available you don’t have to think too hard about what he offers to any team.
“I worked with him at Leicester in the Premiership in both 2023 and 2024 so I know what he brings to the table first-hand.
“It is a very significant step towards our mission to build a team capable to compete for silverware on all fronts in 2025.”
Cook joins Rory Schlein, Drew Kemp and Danyon Hume as confirmed starters for the 2025 campaign for the side which ended rock bottom of the Championship following an injury-ravaged 2024 campaign.
Cook had been expected to return to Workington but he released a statement on Thursday explaining his shock at not being part of their plans.
In a social media statement, he said: “I just wanted to express my surprise at not returning for Workington in 2025.
“I certainly felt that I had done a good job on my return for the Comets as they came back into the Championship.
“It had been a difficult end to the previous season but I came back stronger as I promised I would.
“We had a really good season, in my opinion. To reach the play-offs in our first year back in the Championship was a great achievement.
“Personally, if we hadn’t suffered injuries to Tate Zischke, Claus Vissing and myself, I really believe we could have made the Grand Final.
“As far as I was concerned, after agreeing verbally I would be back in 2025. But I since learnt that was never going to be the case. It seemed to be the perfect fit with me at Workington.
“I believe it was great for the club to have a born and bred Cumbrian at No.1. I was massively passionate about getting the best results for the management and fans. I wish the Comets all the best in 2025.
“It’s a great club and the management and fans deserve success in the future. Thanks also to all my local sponsors for the amazing support.
“Next year will bring me new challenges now but the disappointment will only put fuel on the fire and give me even more reason to be better in every department in 2025.
Once again thank you all for the support.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.