Cook, born in
Edmonton, London, was on the books at
Tottenham Hotspur as a youth, but failed to progress to the first-team. In June 1989, he joined
Southend United, spending two years with the Shrimpers and making 30 appearances, scoring one goal. In July 1991, Cook joined
Conference side and
Essex rivals
Colchester United. He made 31 appearances in a season where the U's were promoted back to
the Football League at the second time of asking, scoring two goals. On 28 September 1991, he made his Colchester debut in a famous 2–1 away victory against rivals
Wycombe Wanderers, a game where Colchester's goalkeeper
Scott Barrett scored an 89th-minute winner from a long upfield punt. Cook had come on as a 69th-minute substitute for
Mark Kinsella. He scored his first goal in a 3–1 home victory over
Welling United on 23 November Colchester also reached the
FA Trophy final, a match which they won 3–1 over
Witton Albion. Cook was sent off in the match, and in turn was unable to collect a winners medal. However, unused substitute in the game
Eamonn Collins handed Cook his winners medal. With Colchester back in the Football League, Cook made a further 35 appearances and scored one goal before moving on to
Dagenham & Redbridge in 1993. He also played for
Chelmsford City and
Braintree Town. ==Honours==