ANDY Cook remains grateful for the opportunity he got with Barrow AFC to show what he could do after making the step up to Sky Bet League One with Walsall.

The striker enjoyed two spells at Holker Street, the second of which saw him fire Darren Edmondson’s side to the Conference North title in 2015.

Cook left to join Tranmere Rovers - then also in the National League - the following year and admits his time at Barrow did not end how he would have liked, but still has fond memories.

“I have some good memories of my time with Barrow,” said Cook. “It’s a shame the way it ended, but I guess there is always some resentment when you move clubs.

“The Conference North is a lot different to the National and, in truth, I didn’t like playing in the division, but it was a good platform for me to show people that I could score and consistently.

“Winning the league was, of course, a fantastic experience; I enjoyed playing for Darren.”

Cook’s goal-scoring form continued at Tranmere, which earned him a move to Walsall this summer.

And the 27-year-old is glad he took the chance to play for Rovers when it came.

“People think I went for the money, but I actually took a lot less wage to sign for them than Barrow offered me,” said Cook. “It was about the opportunity.

“I just want to establish myself at this level (League One) and prove the gamble was worth it.”