Pundit: Newcastle ‘dressing room could turn toxic’ after Cook transfer update
Steve Cook can be a trusted ally for Eddie Howe in the Newcastle dressing room, according to Paul Robinson.
The former England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 30-year-old can deliver “solid performances on the pitch”.
According to The Sun last Saturday (11 December), Howe wants to reunite with Bournemouth captain Cook in January if Newcastle fail to land James Tarkowski and Ben Mee.
The centre-back is out of contract at the Vitality Stadium at the end of the season.
Howe managed Cook at Bournemouth between 2012 and 2020. He captained the Cherries as they suffered relegation from the top flight during the 2019-20 season.
Robinson claimed having someone trustworthy in the dressing room will be a “big thing” for the Magpies boss.
“Managers tend to do these types of deals,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“Whether it’s on the field or off the field, it’s very easy for the dressing room to turn toxic when you’re in a situation like Newcastle.
“Howe will want someone he can trust in that dressing room to make the right noises, and Cook is one of those players.
“He knows that Cook can be that player, deliver solid performances on the pitch, maybe a 7/10 every week – and having that trusted member of the squad will be a big thing for him.”
Newcastle remain second from bottom in the Premier League following their 3-1 loss against Liverpool on Thursday.
The Magpies have conceded the most goals in the top flight this season (37).
In other news, Newcastle agree landmark senior hire ahead of the January window.