PAUL COOK HAS said that his decision to turn down a move to Scotland in order to remain on as manager of Sligo Rovers was the best move for all parties.
But he warned fans of the Bit O’Red that he will have to move on from the West eventually in order to further his managerial career.
The Liverpudlian had been expected to take the vacant post at SPL side St Johnstone earlier this week, but rejected the offer from the Saints after the two clubs had agreed a compensation package.
Speaking about his decision on RTÉ Morning Ireland this morning, Cook said that he was “obviously close” to signing up but that the move had snagged over personal terms, among other things.
“I was over in Scotland and we had talks. There was a decision to be made.
“I went over on Sunday night and I met up with the chairman and his son on Monday. We had three hours together and obviously spoke about the club and the plans for the club.
From there, they made me a formal contract offer. Taking everything into consideration and the terms of the contract, there was obviously no improvement in that contract.
“So taking everything into account and the situation with Sligo with the [FAI] Cup final coming up, I thought it was the best decision for myself and everyone concerned that I turn the job down.”
“There’s always a few other bits and pieces,” he added, “but I think things like that should remain private. It was the bigger picture, you know.”
St Johnstone currently lie fourth in the SPL, but have been without a manager since Derek McInnes’s departure for Bristol City earlier this month.
The decision, Cook said, was one that he may well come to regret in time.
“St Johnstone are a fantastic club, they’re in fourth position in the SPL and they’re doing really well. It was a great opportunity. Maybe as I go forward, one day I’ll regret the opportunity, maybe I won’t.
I think the Sligo people know that one day I will leave. I am ambitious and a job offer will come along one day that I will take. In football, none of us know when that will be.But all things considered, I thought it was best for everyone, myself and my family, that I stay with Sligo.
