We are chuffed Matt got the job – Cooke

Club captain Chris Cooke says he and the team are ‘chuffed’ that Matt Maynard was appointed as head coach of the side on a three year deal.  

Maynard guided the Welsh county to fourth place in Division Two of the Specsavers County Championship after they finished bottom the year before, and Cooke was full or praise for the work and support he was given by his head coach during the campaign.

“I think I can speak on behalf of all the players when I say we are chuffed Matt got the job, “said Cooke. “He’s a legend here at Glamorgan and the boys have taken to him really well, and he’s done some really good things with the team and we are looking forward to keep working with him.

“He’s got all the experience, as a batsman I’m always trying to pick his brain. He’s very calm and level. He doesn’t get too up or down but he’s got high standards and the boys know what he expects of them.

“He’s got a wealth of experience, he’s coached all over the world. We want to tap into that experience and we can’t wait to keep working with him.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the captaincy, and especially working with Matt. Hopefully we can figure out what’s best for the county and the team moving forward, and I’m desperate to win something here at Glamorgan and if I can contribute by leading the team that would be an awesome feeling.”

Cooke was drafted by the Birmingham Phoenix for the 2020 edition of the Hundred, and admits that he’ll find it ‘strange’ visiting Sophia Gardens as an opposition player for the first time.

 "It'll be strange and I'll probably walk into the home dressing room out of habit, but we've got to look at it as a whole new entity and a different competition, and I'll be playing against Welsh Fire, not Glamorgan.”

Cooke watched the draft at home, and while he wasn’t able to relax during the process, he appreciates how much he and potential fans could benefit from the competition.

“It was nerve-wracking and at all enjoyable! I watched it on Sky Sports but I’m delighted to be involved and see what the competition holds.

"It's exciting to play alongside (New Zealand batsman) Kane Williamson and learn off him.

"It's nice being out of your comfort zone and going somewhere new, seeing if that can raise your game.

“I know a lot of kids and their parents are looking forward to it, and here in Cardiff you've got (Australians) Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc and (England's) Jonny Bairstow.”