I think it is fair to say that Cook, the midfielder who I considered to be Stan Ternent's best signing at Burnley, has been successful in his time there. That first season ended with them missing the play-offs by one place and last season, his first full season in charge, he took them to the League Two title.
He's had a JP Trophy win at Wembley to add to that, and right now they sit in sixth place in League One needing just two more points to be certain of a play-off season as they look for back to back promotions.
It's no surprise he's in demand, and yesterday Portsmouth, 16th in League Two and looking for a new manager to replace Andy Awford, made a move to lure Cook to Fratton Park.
Yesterday, chief executive Chris Turner, the former Man United goalkeeper and Sheff Wednesday manager said his club were prepared to fight for him.
"He is the best manager in the league and I would have thought clubs would be interested in Paul Cook, his record since arriving at this club is second to none," Turner said. "There has been no contact from Portsmouth and, as far as I know, Paul is happy to be here and doing a great job.
"We are delighted with him and are not surprised other clubs get linked with him. It was Wigan last week, it was somebody else the week before. Whenever people lose their jobs, clubs are going to look to who is doing well, Paul Cook is doing extremely well. I am pleased he does get linked with other jobs because it proves what a good job he is doing for us."
Turner warned: "However, he is under contract at Chesterfield and that is the way it is. Of course we would stand in the way if a club came in for him, we have got to fight our corner. "
Subsequently, Portsmouth did contact Turner asking for permission to speak to him which was immediately turned down by Turner. He added: "We're in the greatest position Chesterfield have been in in 30-odd years and it's very annoying, but it's football and they've asked for permission and we've refused it and as far as I'm concerned it's the end of it.
"I've informed Paul of the situation. He's done a great for us and I'm not surprised that clubs will be interested in him, but the timing of it is questionable. Paul is 100% committed to the cause and we'll make sure it doesn't interfere with anything to do with our next two matches."
