Andy Cooke, an eighteen-year-old striker from Shropshire, had a short trial for Exeter City in 1992. He later enjoyed a successful professional career with Burnley, Stoke City, Bradford City and Shrewsbury Town.

A trainee with Telford United between 1990 and 1992, Andy was recommended to Exeter City by former Grecians defender Lee Roberts who had returned to Shropshire following the end of his playing career. According to Lee, Andy played for twenty minutes in a game for triallists against Cardiff City.

Newspaper reports suggest that Andy ultimately took up the offer of a short professional deal with Telford but was soon loaned to League Wales club Newtown with the arrangement soon becoming permanent. Within three years he had joined Burnley where he made 171 league appearances (52 goals) over a five-year period. 

Moving to Stoke City in December 2000, he added another 88 league games - scoring on 21 occasions - before a spell in South Korea with Buson Icons. Returning to England, Andy played for Bradford City and Shrewsbury Town where he finished his professional career under the management of former Exeter boss Gary Peters.

Also playing for Market Drayton Town, Andy moved into the insurance industry and - more than thirty years after Lee Roberts had recommended him to Exeter City - the two former footballers remained near neighbours in the Market Drayton area.