By Chris Galea. Last Updated: February 6, 2012 5:32pm QPR midfielder set for Orient return please log in to view this image Midfielder Lee Cook is poised to leave QPR once the loan window re-opens with League One outfit Leyton Orient his likely destination. The 29-year-old has struggled to make an impression at Loftus Road since returning from a long-term knee injury 13 months ago, making just two appearances for the club since. However, the winger did enjoy a two-month loan spell at the Matchroom Stadium and, after failing to make the Hoops' 25-man Premier League squad last week, he is hopeful of gaining some first-team football elsewhere. Cook told Sky Sports: "I'm disappointed not to make the 25, but at the same time it was always going to be difficult to break into it as I only had a week to impress in training after I got back from Orient. "That loan move kind of killed me in terms of my future at QPR and I never really got a real crack at it under (Neil) Warnock. "I didn't have enough game time under my belt because it has been a year since I returned from injury now and I was simply left out in the cold by Warnock. Problem "There were players getting in ahead of me that he had no intention of playing really and when I got back from Orient the gaffer completely blanked me, yet Keith Curle and Mick Jones were very interested in how I got on and how I was doing. "That kind of summed it up for me and from day one he didn't really want to give me a go. "I had a terrible year when I came back from injury because I feel that at other clubs the players returning from injury are treated with a lot more respect. "I was simply sent to train with the reserves and treated like a leper, so Warnock seemed to have a problem with me from the off. "I was on loan till 23rd January, so it was always going to be difficult for me to come back and break into the 25 in the space of a week, but the other lads got a head start on me because they had been playing regularly under Warnock." Although Cook was aware that he could not make much of an impression in under a week, he revealed the impact new manager Mark Hughes has had on the Rangers squad. "That week was great to be fair and the club is a completely different one under Hughes, with the training tempo increased and I believe that the club will be very successful under him now," he said. Option "The loan window re-opens on Wednesday and hopefully I can pick up where I left off at Orient when I join a new club because I was enjoying my football again and then we'll see what happens in the summer." Cook, who scored once in ten appearances for Orient, admitted that returning to the club could be the best option for him. He added: "I spoke to Russell (Slade) last week and I always had a good relationship with the gaffer whilst I was there, so we'll definitely discuss things, but there are a few League One clubs interested too. "They've got a great set-up down there and the manager obviously knows my style and how I like to play, so it could be beneficial for me to go back to Orient till the end of the season." http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7492608/?
Good luck to Cookie.....I have the utmost respect for the guy. It's interesting to hear that not everyone is a fan of Warnock and his methods too.
just like to echo the comments made above. Cookie will always be a Rangers legend, and the cash he gave to the club - his club will be a reminder of his support. I hope that Orient offer him a loan till end of season and perm deal for next season. Good luck Cookie
This shows the other side of Warnock. He was pretty ruthless when it came to Cook and Rowlands. There's no excuse to blank someone. It wouldn't have hurt to show an interest in Cook's progress, so the guy was given a chance. Then if he doesn't come up to scratch, fair enough. I sense Cook feels there was an injustice done, just as Warnock feels there was one done to him...now Neil knows how it feels
It is all very predictable and very boring to hear players slagging off the Man who had to tell them they weren't quite good enough. I have read Neil give Cook praise and encouragement before, shame Cook responds like this.
I don't think Cook is the type to have a go if it wasn't warranted. Or Rowlands for that matter. If Cook says Warnock blanked him, I believe him. That's part of Warnock's character. Last season, he was all over Adel like a rash. Then Joey comes in, and suddenly Neil loses interest in Adel. It's no coincidence that we got the best performance from Adel this season, after Neil left. I have a high opinion of Warnock - but you've got to see the nature of the beast (figuratively speaking)
As has been said above, I am inclined to believe Cook here, and tbh it does echo what other players have been saying. Cook has no animosity to QPR, as he is a fan, so imo he wouldnt say something that isnt needed. As much as I love Warnock for what he did here, it seems not all was rosey behind the scenes. But good luck to Cookie, a rangers LEGEND for what he did in giving back his 250k. That word is overused, but imo Cook couldnt be more deserving of that.
I'm no judge on this matter. What I will say, however, is that you rarely hear players complain about the manager putting them first on the team sheet, but you do hear them criticise gaffers that don't pick them. I do also recall a wall of vitriol from Not606 and directed at the team that went out against Rochdale in the League Cup this season. I believe Cookie was in that line-up. Good luck, Lee.
Good luck to him...was one of the shining lights during the very dark days of the past.. fuuny enough, this is exactly what rowlands has said and i believe him.
I have no reason to doubt Cooky. Same story Rowly told. I don't agree with it but that was NW prerogative as manager. It was evident from early on that Warnock had his favourites, and that the outcasts stood little chance of breaking through. Still remember Cook's link with both Blackstock and Furlong like it was yesterday. Dark days it might have been, but all part of being an R, happy times. Good look to a true R, Lee Cook.
