Paul Cook has been an absolute joy

Last updated : 02 January 2002 By Tony Scholes

It was a strange sort of move as Cooky had been one of only three ever presents in the Burnley team this season up to his move the day before our game at Crystal Palace at the beginning of December. The move was supposedly to do with contracts and Burnley's inability to offer him anything past his current deal whilst Wigan looked as though they could.

However after playing six games for the Latics he has returned to the Turf although it is believed that Wigan boss was hoping to extend the loan. If that is the case and the Clarets have refused then it seems all the more confusing given that we were happy for him to go a month ago.

So how has Cooky done at Wigan? According to the fans he has done well, has had a major influence on the way they have played and helped eliminate the constant long ball game they had been playing. He was popular with the supporters when he started his career with Wigan and they were hopeful he would be staying on after the month.

Wigan boss Paul Jewell admitted that Cooky has not played as well as he could have but said he had been an absolute joy to have around for the last month. Jewell is very keen to get him back to Wigan but sources close to Turf Moor are now suggesting that the differences between him and Stan have now been resolved and he could well be back in the first team at the earliest opportunity.

It will be good to have him back in action for the Clarets just as soon as possible.