Last updated at 12:56, Wednesday, 06 June 2012

As expected, striker Andy Cook has turned down a new deal with Barrow AFC and joined Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Grimsby Town.

The powerful 21-year-old forward has penned an initial two-year deal with the Mariners.

Seven other players are, however, set to stay with the Bluebirds. Keeper Danny Hurst and defender Gavin Skelton are expected to sign new deals tonight (Wednesday), with James Owen, Mike Pearson, Shaun Pearson and Paul Rutherford set to do the same later this week. Midfielder Richie Baker will, according to the club, also sign on his return from holiday.

North East-based Cook - a former Carlisle United youth product - was Barrow's top league scorer last season with 17 goals.

His contract with the Bluebirds expired at the end of the 2011/12 season.

Cook's departure follows that of 21-year-old winger Jack Mackreth, who also turned down the offer of a new deal to join another Blue Square Bet Premier outfit, Macclesfield Town.

Because Cook and Mackreth, who were both out of contract, are aged 21, Barrow will be due a compensation fee from Grimsby and Macclesfield respectively.

Grimsby Town's official club website says: "Due to the age of Cook (under 23), the two clubs (Grimsby and Barrow) are in negotiation to reach agreement on a fee - failing this then a fee would have to be set by an FA tribunal."

Cook is quoted in the Grimsby Telegraph as saying:  "As soon as I found out that Grimsby were interested, I knew where I wanted to go.

"They are a massive club that wants to push on and get back into the Football League, and I want to be part of that.

"When I spoke to the managers, they gave me the right impression and really made me feel wanted, which was important to me.

"Grimsby is a club on the up and I am really excited to be part of that – I'm over the moon to have signed."

See tonight's Evening Mail for a first interview with 23-year-old former Macclesfield, Rochdale and Fleetwood Town defender Matt Flynn, who has signed for Barrow at the weekend.

First published at 08:40, Wednesday, 06 June 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk