With the Jets' offensive revamp complete, attention has turned to the defensive side of the ball. Chris Cooke has transferred from the Cambridgeshire Cats to beef up the defensive line. The tackle has already won five Britbowl medals and is looking to win a sixth with the Jets "I want to win another National Title and hopefully have one last crack at Europe" said the 48 year old Prison Officer upon signing.
"I'm surprised at how friendly and welcoming everyone has been, you hear a lot about the Jets and build up an image of the club and I'm glad to say that most of what I've heard hasn't been true. It's well organised here, the coaching staff is very knowledgeable and get their message across well. Training is well attended and, whilst it's hard work, it's also a lot of fun. The one thing that is true about this club is that we want to win".
The Jets will be Cooke's twelfth club in a career that has been highlighted by spells with the Great Britain Spartans and a trial with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. He arrives in Coventry alongside his nephew Louis who has also transferred in from his hometown Cats. The younger Cooke plays anywhere in the defensive backfield where he has earned the respect of his peers, winning the Players Player of the Year award in 2009 after racking up an impressive 90 tackles.
A former Rookie of the Year, Louis received an invite to represent an International All-Stars team in Florida last season alongside his uncle. The physical 22 year old plays with aggression and speed, his 40 yard sprint time of 4.48 wowed the Jets coaching staff at their recent combine. "Louis has speed to burn" commented Head Coach Gerry McManus "he's going to make a lot of plays for us this year. I'm sure the fans will love what he brings to the table with his style of play".
"It was difficult to leave the Cats" acknowledged the 22 year old carpenter "they're the only team that I'd ever played for and it's the town where I was born. I've come here to win. I'm enjoying training, there's a great group here and everyone is focused on the same thing, winning the Premier Division. I'm excited to be part of that and I believe that we can do it".
You can see how the Cookes fare on their debut as the Jets kick off their season against the Bristol Aztecs at the Butts Park Arena on Saturday the 22nd of May. The game will be preceded by the Jets Youth facing the Birmingham Bulls. The action gets underway at 11:00 and entry prices are £5 for adults, £2 for Under 16s with a family ticket that covers 2 adults and 4 children for just £10. For further information on the Coventry Jets visit their website www.coventryjets.co.uk or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.