Cooksey signs on

Last updated : 01 August 2003 By Dave Moore

23 year old triallist midfielder Ernie Cooksey has signed a one year deal, with the option of a further year, with the club. Ernie said, “I was with Bob Dowie at Chesham but left when he left. I had a good year with Crawley last year and it was the connection with Bob that got me the chance here. It's been a long road but I've done it and I am delighted. There's definitely going to be competition. It will be tough to get into the team. I'm just looking forward to it. Hopefully I'll get a chance and take it. I have had fans chanting for me before but the reception I've had from Latics fans has been tremendous.”

Cooksey began his career at Colchester before dropping into non-league football. A delighted Iain Dowie said, “He played in the same team as Fitz and Wayne and what he has brought us is fantastic enthusiasm. He has great energy. The lads like him and they pass the ball to him which is always a good guide. He's getting fitter by the minute. He desperately wants to be a footballer. I think he's done more than enough to earn a contract. We're delighted and if he plays 20 games it will be turned into a two year contract and that will be great for him. The fans reaction to Ernie has been great. John Sheridan said he had to play 400 games for Sheffield Wednesday before he got that kind of reception. Nonetheless, he's a lad who does make you want him to do well because he works that hard. He's terrific in the air for his size and he's got good feet and so we're going to develop that."