Andy Cook has addressed his departure from Nottingham Forest after four years in charge of the Women's team.
Cook enjoyed a successful stint at the club, winning the FA Women’s National League Plate in 2022, as well as Women’s National League North and FA Women’s National League Cup last season.
However, it was announced he will leave in the same week Forest appointed Amber Wildgust as Women and Girls manager, initially with the intention of working alongside Cook before his exit.
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Posting on Twitter, Cook said: I have made the decision to move on from this great football club. This club and the city was everything I wanted it to be and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity David Cook and Lee Billiard give me in 2019. I will miss everyone at the club.
"To all the staff from John, Will, Simon, Caz and everyone who welcomed me at the CG on day 1 I’ve loved every minute working to make Forest a success and knowing how hard you all work for the club always give me motivation to give everything I had too.
"And staff at the TG (training ground) from Gary Brail to Steve Cooper always welcoming and encouraging and supportive of me and the womens side and support last season was amazing the academy boys at Burton when we won the cup. And the lengths to help us prepare for the playoff was amazing. Thank you!
"And of course every player who I have had the pleasure and privilege to work with. Thank you. You are all the reason why this club has become the successful one it has and all worked to help us get back to winning the league and cup this season. You are all the reasons why we won.
"Finally to a man who gets no limelight or credit going into his 11th season. Steve Gray. With me every day since I started. A man who gives his all so @NFFCWomen can be successful. I’ll miss you mate.
"I wish everyone at club all the best this year. Amber and Dave (Long, head of Girls Academy) in the women’s section. Ross and Steve with the men and Craig, Warren and Chris with the academy. Good luck for the season and play well for the Garibaldi! You reds!!"
On Cook's exit, chief football officer, Ross Wilson, said: “The Club would like to place on record their appreciation to Andy for all his efforts over the past four years. Andy lives a long way from Nottingham and has committed to significant travel time during his spell at the club and we would like to thank him for his dedication.
"The Women's team has seen significant progress both on and off the pitch under Andy's leadership and we are moving forward into the 2023/24 season strongly. We wish Andy all the best in his next opportunity.”
