‘I screamed the house down at the draw’: Bradford’s Andy Cook on facing Newcastle

Andy Cook of Bradford City: ‘You always wanted to play at St James’ at some point. Did I think I’d get the chance with the way my career has gone? Probably not.’ Photograph: George Wood/Getty Images

There was euphoria from all associated with Bradford City last month when the League One leaders were handed a Carabao Cup third-round tie at the holders, Newcastle United. But there was one man in particular whose self-professed screaming could have likely been heard all across the north-east.

Not since their days as a Premier League club have Bradford made the trip up the A1 and when they last faced Newcastle, in December 2000, Andy Cook was a 10-year-old Newcastle fanatic who had grown up idolising Alan Shearer. On Wednesday, at the age of 34, Cook will at last fulfil a childhood dream of playing at St James’ Park, one he thought had passed him by.