Cook - Is History Repeating Itself?

I was informed of some shocking news this evening that if proves true, will almost take a big part of my love for Leeds United away. 

News has broke that Lewis Cook could be on his way out of Elland Road and if that isn't bad news enough, it could be straight over Pennines to them shysters in Red. 

Losing Cook like any other youth product that is currently starring for our side would be an extremely bitter pill to swallow, but the ways and means of his transfer out of the club would cause anarchy and I for one would be lighting the wood and sharpening the pitchforks. 

I'm not one to listen to hearsay and speculation when it comes to Leeds United transfers, we've signed Smith, Beckford et Al about 1 million times over the past years if you take any notice. But being informed from more than one trustable source like www.transferrumours.co.uk means that this whisper could be true and I'm furious. 

Simply put, Lewis Cook is one of the best midfielders in the Championship and could even be the main attraction for plenty of Premier League sides and to lose that type of player from our side would be a travesty. 

If you've started reading this and think it's a load of crap then here's two names for you; Jonny Howson and Fabian Delph. Both exceedingly good midfielder, both products of our academy and both flogged by a greedy fat owner that didn't give a fuck about the club. 

Yes Delph is different, he wanted to leave and saw Premiership football as his golden ticket to step up his career and we did get a nice East Stand from him, trust me the trio of chicken is to die for! 

As for Howson, he was flogged by Bates to the first bidder for a few silver coins. The story goes that Howson did not want to leave the club and was practically forced out by Bates. Then left back Ben Parker opened up in the centenary lounge to fans about the shocking revelations only for current rent-a-gob Peter Lorimer to lambast him for his claims and belittle the recovering defender in front of a ton of people. To anyone who is offended by my comments on Lorimer, I will not discredit his wonderful career at Leeds, but I will not listen to a man who cashes his cheques from the owner and calls the fans a problem. 

So there are two players who've been shoved out of Leeds rather hastily for a quick buck and now on to another we could lose on the cheap, apparently a release clause of £5million is what Cook currently possesses in his contract. 

£5million for a player that will definitely feature in an England shirt within the next 4 years, it's a joke. It's beyond a joke, the club are pissing on us and not even having the decency to call it rain!

Now on to why this could be true. Has anyone else noticed the current owner at Leeds United is feeling a little unsettled and is set to allow a buyout in the new future? Well what's easier than leaving the club with an extra £5million in your pocket? Nothing to be frank. 

I have to admit that I sincerely hope that this is nothing but hearsay, but just in case it isn't then you need to know that we could lose Cook and in the same foul swoop, could lose all the hope that we were currently clutching to with baited breath. 

It's come to a point where we need to stand up against this and not allow for owners to flog our assets for personal gain. It's the same deals and same people that are hindering the club progressing and enough is enough. Let's not lose another beautiful talent from our club. 

And if you don't believe me, that's completely your choice. Come January or Summer if he's gone I just hope your by my side fighting for the good of the club.  

​By Ryan Ingham