The most recent inductee into the Worthing FC centurion list will be looking to build upon those appearances at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium for next season and beyond, as the club gear up for an inaugural campaign competing in the fifth-tier of English football.
Cook was undoubtedly one of the leading protagonists in last season’s title charge, with colossal defensive performances and countless sumptuous strikes earning decisive points for the Reds.
Initially becoming one of the earlier acquisitions of the Chris Agutter era in June 2024, the now 26-year-old quickly established himself as an indispensable cog in a diligent defensive structure.
“How often has he done that this season!” ⚽️
Relive the moment where we opened the scoring, courtesy of a Joe Cook thunderbolt ⚡️
Our 98th NLS goal of the season 🤩 pic.twitter.com/nTKUPIpoPJ
— Worthing F(C) (@WorthingFC) April 25, 2026
Under Adam Hinshelwood, ‘Cooky’ struck an indomitable partnership with fellow central defender Harry Ransom, with the pair barely missing a minute across a gruelling campaign.
His robustness and fitness levels allowed consistency across the backline, as the Englishman only missed three games across all competitions, making a staggering 53 appearances.
In spite of his natural defensive position, the technically excellent Cook cropped up with arguably two of the most important goals of the season.
His towering header with virtually the last kick of the game against Sussex rivals Eastbourne Borough on Good Friday sent Woodside Road into pandemonium – a huge turning point in claiming the title.
Somehow, the former Dorking Wanderers and Gateshead defender managed to top that moment, with an unstoppable half-volley to open the scoring in the final game of the season against Ebbsfleet United, which the Rebels went on to win 2-0 to secure their National League South Champions status.
At our annual Awards Evening on the 11th April, Cook’s curling effort from distance in the 3-1 success over Dover Athletic back in October was voted as the Club’s 2025/26 Goal of the Season.
However, his swerving hit in the 7-2 thrashing of Dagenham & Redbridge earlier on that day made a strong case to trump his own effort, as he picked out the top corner from 25 yards out.
Alongside those strikes, Cook netted three more goals across the season, with his overall tally standing at seven for the season in all competitions – six in the National League South and one in the Sussex Transport Senior Cup.
The gloss to a fantastic season was applied in our penultimate match of the season, as the defender’s start away to Maidstone United registered his 100th appearance for the Club.
Manager Adam Hinshelwood shared his thoughts following the news that Cook will be at his disposal for the upcoming season.
Hinsh: “It’s great to have Joe signed for next season. He had a really good campaign, evidenced by his inclusion in the National League South Team of the Season. He’s a player I think can get even better with us moving forward.”
Joe Cook commented: “I’m really happy to be extending my stay at this special club. After the success we experienced together last year, I wanted to continue this journey with the club into the National League.
“I can’t wait to get back now and ready for the upcoming season. Up the Rebels!”
Great to have you on board, Cooky!
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗