FORMER British Champion Craig Cook has “unfinished business” with Leicester.
The Cumbrian return to the east Midlands side was announced a day after he was part of an Oxford Spires side thumped 54-36 by the Lions in front of the Eurosport cameras.
Cook, who has been in vintage form for Workington in the Championship and just completed a 28-day spell as injury cover for Lewis Kerr at Oxford, replaces Drew Kemp.
His previous stint with the Lions in 2023 saw him arrive mid-season at a club still reeling from the suspension of Nick Morris and the decision to release Chris Harris. Just after he signed Cook was involved in a serious crash at Edinburgh which effectively ended his campaign.
But the switch to the GT Tyres Arena has rejuvenated the former GP man and his first appearance for Oxford saw him rack up a spectacular 16-point haul at Sheffield.
Cook goes straight into Thursday night’s KO Cup quarter-final second leg at Ipswich where the Lions are trying to reach a semi-final against Birmingham despite losing the home leg 48-42.
Leicester manager Stewart Dickson said: “The opportunity arose to sign Craig, who became available because Oxford were true to their word and are bringing back Lewis Kerr following his recovery from injury.
“That gave us an opportunity to, in my opinion, strengthen the team and while it’s certainly tough on Drew the bottom line is that we’ve not been doing what I had hoped for in that department so far this season.
“Craig is clear that he has unfinished business at Leicester. It didn’t go according to plan last year, for reasons that are well documented including the crash at Edinburgh.
“But he is up for it. I will certainly be getting him fired up, and if Craig Cook does the job that Craig Cook is capable of, this could be a very clever signing for Leicester.”
“It also sends out a message to the other riders that Leicester won’t be sitting back this season. We are definitely going for it.”
Dickson also had some sympathy for Kemp, who he also manages at Championship Berwick.
“Unfortunately it was bad news for Drew,” Dickson admitted. He’s obviously disappointed but was very adult about it. He knows it’s nothing personal, and we wish him all the best.
“I’m sure he and other people might not see it as a good move, but my job is to do what I feel is best for the team, and sometimes you have to make a tough decision.
“I have a responsibility to the owner and to the supporters to give them the best possible team I can.
“Monday night was good but it was only one meeting, and Craig could provide us with the scoring power that we’re looking for at that end of the team.”
Words by George Dodds.
Images by Taylor Lanning.