Jack Cork’s journey has taken an interesting turn since leaving Burnley after the 2023-24 season. After enduring a frustrating campaign where he played only six times and witnessed his team’s relegation from the Premier League, Cork realized that a new path was ahead.
Despite the lack of offers to continue playing, he had prepared for this moment by securing his UEFA B coaching license.
When Burnley reached out to him with an opportunity to join their Under-21s as assistant manager, Cork didn’t hesitate.
It was a chance to stay involved in football while pursuing a new passion.
“I was fed up waiting,” Cork reflects as he speaks to Mail Sport from Burnley’s training ground.
“I missed being around the game, and coaching is something I’ve always wanted to do. It felt like the right time to make the switch.”
Now, as part of Burnley’s Under-21 setup, Cork is overseeing a group of young players with a lot of potential.
While Burnley hasn’t always been known for producing star players, Cork’s time at the club has seen a promising crop of talent emerge.
Youngsters like Owen Dodgson and Dara Costelloe are impressing during their loan spells, while players such as Joe Bauress and Tommy McDermott are getting their first taste of competitive action in cup competitions.
Having come through Chelsea’s renowned academy and enjoyed a solid career with clubs like Southampton, Swansea City, and Burnley, Cork brings a wealth of experience.
With over 580 club appearances and an international cap with England, his transition into coaching feels natural.
Cork’s New Role: A Fresh Perspective on Development
“I think I’m done playing,” Cork admits. Despite contemplating playing at a lower level, he realized coaching was where his future lay.
“It’s rewarding to see these young players develop,” he says, noting how different it is to focus on others’ growth rather than his own career.
“Watching someone you’ve worked with get promoted to the first team is a special feeling.”
Cork is also involved in promoting Burnley’s upcoming events, such as the Dude Perfect International Youth Cup.
This prestigious Under-12 tournament will feature some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Juventus, Chelsea, and Borussia Dortmund.
For Cork, it’s an exciting opportunity for Burnley’s young players to test themselves against some of Europe’s finest.
“For our lads, who are part of a Category Two academy, to play against these top teams feels like we’re part of something big,” Cork explains.
“It’s great for them to experience different styles of play and learn from kids from different cultures.”
Burnley’s Promotion Push and Cork’s Insight
Cork is also closely involved with Burnley’s first-team affairs.
Working under manager Scott Parker, Cork is in daily staff meetings, discussing everything from training sessions to player development.
Burnley is currently in the thick of a heated promotion race, sitting second in the Championship, tied on points with Leeds but ahead on goal difference.
With only five games left, Burnley’s promotion prospects are strong.
“I think they’ll get the job done,” Cork says with confidence. “This team is solid.
They have everything needed to go up, but it also depends on how Sheffield United and Leeds perform.”
Cork is uniquely placed to provide insights on the team’s promotion charge, having played alongside many of the current squad members. However, he tries to maintain a degree of separation.
“I try to stay out of the canteen,” he jokes. “I don’t want to be hearing all the stories and chatter.
I keep in touch with a couple of them now and then, but I try to keep it fresh.”
Burnley’s Defensive Fortress
One of the key factors behind Burnley’s success this season has been their remarkable defense.
With 29 clean sheets and only 12 goals conceded in 41 league games, Burnley has built a reputation for being tough to break down.
“It’s all about repetition and training,” Cork explains.
“The team knows exactly where to be, when to press, and when not to press. They’re so organized, and that discipline shows every week.”
Given Cork’s vast experience in the Premier League, including a promotion with Southampton in 2012 and a title-winning season with Burnley in 2023, he’s well-equipped to offer advice during this crucial stage of the season.
But when asked if he would offer anything to Parker, Cork’s response is simple: “Just keep going. Trust what they’re doing, and it’ll all take care of itself.”
Reflecting on a Career Well Played
Although Cork’s last Premier League appearance came less than a year ago, he’s already transitioned into a new role at Burnley. Reflecting on his career, he admits it’s been a whirlwind.
“It’s strange,” he says. “When you’re in it, everything blends together.
But when I finished, I looked back and thought, ‘Wow, that was crazy.’”
Looking at the young players around him now, Cork feels lucky for the career he had, particularly when he sees how talented some of them are.
For now, Cork’s focus is on his coaching journey.
“I’m going to work hard, as hard as I can every day, and see where it takes me,” he says. “Maybe I’ll enjoy it, maybe I won’t. We’ll see.”
Birmingham’s Unstoppable Rise
Birmingham City has been a revelation this season. Despite their summer outlay of over £25 million, it was no surprise that they secured promotion from League One with six games to spare.
However, the team deserves recognition for their impressive performance, earning a remarkable 95 points from 40 games, and they’re on track to surpass the record of 103 points set by Wolves in the 2013-14 season.
Managed by Chris Davies, Birmingham’s success in League One is a testament to the hard work and vision of the entire club.
After struggling in previous seasons, Birmingham’s swift return to the Championship is something to be proud of.
And with the EFL Trophy final on the horizon, they could make this a truly historic season.
Stevenage’s Kids Takeover: A Day to Remember
Stevenage’s annual Kids Takeover event during their match against Crawley proved to be an absolute hit.
Eight junior club members were given the opportunity to shadow key roles during the match, from mini-chairman to mini-manager, and even a mini-referee.
But it was eight-year-old Cooper, who took over the club’s social media account for the day, who stole the show.
His hilarious tweets, such as “Brandon Hanlan nearly scores unlucky” and “Dan Kemp accidentally got hit in the head,” quickly went viral, with one post racking up over 1.2 million impressions.
The tweet, “We can’t get out of our box,” resonated with football fans worldwide.
In the end, Stevenage triumphed 3-1, solidifying their position in mid-table in League One.
The event was a perfect example of how football clubs can create lasting memories for their young supporters.
Well done to Stevenage for giving those eight kids a day they’ll never forget!