Gloucester City has announced the departure of manager Mike Cook following their heartbreaking defeat in the Southern League Premier Division South play-off final against AFC Totton.
The Tigers secured a fourth-place finish in the league and triumphed over Walton & Hersham in a tense penalty shootout during the semi-finals, bringing them tantalizingly close to regaining a spot in the second tier of non-league football.
However, a decisive 70th-minute goal by Ethan Taylor propelled AFC Totton to victory on Bank Holiday Monday, marking their first-ever promotion to the National League South.
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Cook’s second tenure as Gloucester City manager, which began in September 2023 after Tim Flowers’ departure, has come to an end. Despite his efforts, the club was relegated from the National League North at the close of the 2023/24 season.
Having previously managed Gloucester City from January to November 2019, Cook also has experience at Chippenham Town and Swindon Town Women. His managerial career is complemented by his playing history at professional clubs including Coventry City, Cambridge United, and loan spells at York City.
Gloucester City is expected to announce a new manager at Meadow Park within the next 24 hours as the club looks to rebuild for the upcoming season.