Walsall Football Club have today announced the signing of former Saddlers' loanee Jordan Cook on a two-year contract, following his release by Sky Bet Championship side, Charlton Athletic...24 year-old, Sunderland-born Cook is a product of his hometown club's academy, for whom he signed pro-terms in the summer of 2009.
In August of the same year Jordan joined then League Two side Darlington on loan and made his debut for the club just a few days later, against Crewe Alexandra. Sadly his loan spell with the Quakers was cut short after Jordan sustained cruciate knee ligament damage.
After recovering from his injury setback Jordan made his Sunderland debut on Boxing Day 2010, coming on as an 82nd minute substitute in a 2-0 Premier League loss to Manchester United.
Jordan joined Walsall on a 'Loan Window Deadline Day' deal on 24th March 2011 and went on to make almost ten Saddlers appearances, scoring one-goal before returning to his parent club.
After a spell in Sunderland's reserve side he joined Carlisle United in January 2012 on a one month loan deal, and made fourteen first-team appearances, scoring four goals for the Cumbrians.
At the end of the 2011/12 season it was announced that Jordan was amongst nine players released by Sunderland.
Around a month after his release Jordan joined Charlton Athletic on a free transfer, and after just a handful of appearances was sent on loan to Yeovil Town, where he made just one first-team appearance before returning to Charlton.
Cook, who was released by Charlton Athletic late last month, told saddlers.co.uk: “I'm really excited to be back. I really enjoyed my first spell and I've kept an eye on the club’s results ever since.
“When Dean expressed an interest in me, I jumped at the chance to come back. I had an excellent relationship with him and have stayed in touch ever since.
“The club have made massive strides under his leadership and I can’t wait to push the club on even more.”
Smith added: “Jordan is a player I’ve had my eye on for a long time. I tried to get him two years ago but a Championship club like Charlton came in for him and he went there.
“He’s a player who will score goals for us. He brings us something that we didn’t have last season; he’s quick, gets in behind and scores goals.
“He’s played in the Premier League – against Manchester United and Chelsea – and he has played in the Championship. He’s a very good player who I’m looking forward to working with.”