Express & Star

Walsall sign prolific striker Andy Cook from Tranmere Rovers

Walsall boss Dean Keates has kicked off his first transfer window at the Banks's Stadium with the signing of striker Andy Cook from Tranmere Rovers.

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The 27-year-old forward joins the Saddlers on a two-year deal after helping Tranmere to promotion back to the EFL with 28 goals this season.

Scoring in Rovers' play-off final victory over Boreham Wood, Cook was out of contract this summer, and has opted to make the move to Walsall despite interest from elsewhere.

"I can’t wait to get started," Cook told Walsall's club website.

"I’ve scored 51 goals in the last two years at National League level and now I want to prove myself in the EFL."

"This is a big step up to a big club. I know the manager from his time at Wrexham and I know what he is about; I’m excited by the challenge and where he wants to take the club."

Dean Keates was delighted to secure the striker's signature, confirming that he was his 'primary target' this summer.

"He’s somebody I’ve admired for a long time," he said.

"As soon as I got the job here and knew he was out of contract; I made him my primary target. I’m delighted to have gotten this over the line as there were plenty of clubs in for him – his record speaks for itself – and I’m looking forward to working with him.

"I have no qualms about him stepping up to League One."

Cook began his career in Carlisle before enjoying two loan spells with Barrow - eventually leading to a permanent move in 2011.

He went on to join Grimsby before re-joining Barrow. He moved to Tranmere after bagging 24 goals in his final season at Holker Street.

The striker, who will wear the number nine shirt at the Banks's Stadium, is now coming off his most prolific season to date, scoring almost 30 goals - capped by a quadruple in Rovers' 4-2 victory over Gateshead.