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In the much anticipated clash with the Titans on Sunday there will be several former Rotherham players wearing the Doncaster shirt.Amongst them should have been a great favourite with the Clifton Lane faithful – Dan Cook played for Rotherham for eight seasons, making 132 appearances that included both of their Premiership seasons. Cook – now aged 31 – has become one of Doncaster’s leading lights and, at 6 ft 8ins and 18 stones, an unmistakable presence on and off the field. With the support of wife Claire, and one year old son Harry, the current (slightly) mature student at Hull University looks ahead from the touchline to Sunday’s match and reflects on his time at Clifton Lane in conversation with Allan MacGregor.
AM – Where and when did you start playing rugby and what was your route to Rotherham?
DC – I started as a 12 year old at Hymers College, Hull, and my first club was Hull Ionians. From there I
went to Otley and Orrell, beforejoining Rotherham.
AM – Given your size, were you always a second row?
DC – No! I have played on the wing and at number eight.
AM – In your time at Rotherham, who were the best players you played alongside?
DC – John Dudley, Darren McIntyre and, of course, Simon Bunting.
AM – You were there during great and turbulent times. What went wrong?
DC – Getting into the Premiership in 2000 proved to be a poison chalice – we were out of our depth in playing strength and caught in the midst of the financial wrangling between the clubs and RFU. We were immediately relegated – won the league and were famously refused promotion – moved to Millmoor to satisfy the RFU on ground criteria and got promoted again at the second time of asking. That season was another disaster – we had three different head coaches and at the end Mike Yarlett, who had bankrolled the club until then, withdrew as meltdown occurred and bankruptcy appeared inevitable.
AM – That’s when you left Clifton Lane – was that the reason you left?
DC – Yes! I had earlier been approached by Doncaster a couple of times and had admired the forward thinking there. Several of my Rotherham mates were there already. Then my brother joined from Harrogate. It was a no brainer. The financial wheels had come off at Rotherham. It was time to move on.
AM – What are the differences between the two clubs?
DC – They are both proper rugby clubs with a similar ethos and great supporters. Castle Park is a facility that Rotherham would love to have. That’s the difference
.
AM – Were you surprised at the decision to dispense with Pieter Muller’s services when it happened, and what followed?
DC – Yes, I was surprised at the decision and the timing. There had been no consultation, or rumour! I was pleased to be asked to join the interim management team – my role in that is as forwards’ coach. Charlie Harrison is backs’ coach: Matt Emmerson oversees training sessions: Russ Earnshaw and Rob Liley sort out opposition analysis, tactics and game plans. It’s working well and the side has responded, playing with a bit more confidence and able to express ourselves more.
AM – Would you see a continuation of this team working on a permanent basis?
DC – No. I believe there is a need for a supremo, a Director of Rugby with tried and tested methods at a higher level. A focus for everyone.
AM – What about coaching yourself? Any ambitions in that direction?
DC – Yes. When I finish playing, and I still have a few good seasons in front of me if the body holds up, I would like to coach the Game and do so at the highest possible level.
AM – Now that relegation is no longer an issue this season, will it change the way you approach this week’s, and the other remaining,matches?
DC – It is certainly a relief but in one way a disappointment. We are confident that we would not have ended in the bottom two anyway and I think the pressure that was on us made us play all the better. But a 16 team league next season that looks like it may include Leeds Tykes, plus Moseley and Waterloo, will make for a much better structured season and plenty of excitement. We will go out on Sunday determined to get the result we should have had earlier at Clifton Lane when we blew what should have been awinning lead. We owe them one! And we do play so much better at home on a good pitch with tremendous support
AM – Any grudges to be settled on Sunday?
DC – None at all! Those of us that moved here from Rotherham hardly know anyone left there. The people have changed. What we will enjoy is having a drink and chat with the Rotherham supporters whom we know well from our years there and who are sure to turn out in big numbers.
AM – Rotherham or Earth Titans?
DC – Rotherham! To have a club without the town name it comes from seems incredible to me.
AM – Prediction for Sunday?
DC – It will be close and I am sure it will be committed, but with the Doncaster spirit and home support I am confident that we will win. Just sorry that a shoulder injury in training this week will keep me on the sidelines on the big day!
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