JAMIE Cook hung up his boots this week feeling very fortunate to have enjoyed his two decades in football.

The 37-year-old bowed out in style, helping North Leigh win 2-1 to lift the Oxfordshire Senior Cup in his final appearance.

It came against Oxford United, where he made more than 100 appearances in two spells.

Cook will now focus on a new career as a golf professional.

He said: “A few weeks ago when I saw both teams had got to the final I thought it would be a nice way to end my career, playing against the team I grew up supporting and started with.”

Cook came through the youth set-up at United, making his debut against Nottingham Forest in August 1997.

He moved on after four seasons, but after eight years which included spells at Boston United, Stevenage and Crawley Town he returned to help the club win promotion from the Conference.

The forward, who also played for Oxford City, said: “I loved both spells, particularly the first one because I was a young lad playing in the Championship going to some big grounds, which was amazing.

“To be given an opportunity to come back all those years later and help get them promotion back to the Football League was massive.

“I loved it because I’ve always followed them and wanted them to do well. I was really lucky.

“My first ever goal at Maine Road in front of 30-odd thousand was obviously a big highlight.

“Then my second debut against Luton was great because it was a good goal and a big occasion.

“The other stand-out one is unfortunately against Oxford, when I lobbed Billy Turley from about 45 yards (for Crawley Town).”

In between the U’s spells came a period where Cook almost drifted out of the game altogether, before rediscovering his spark at Witney Town.

“I had a mini mid-life crisis at 23 and was going to give up football,” he said.

“I’ve got to give big thanks to an old friend of mine Spencer Keyes, who was manager at Witney Town at the time and persuaded me to play for him.

“I had decided I’d had enough, but he got me playing again and I got the love for the game back.

“I’m proud to have played for so long and met so many great people – fans, teammates, staff, everyone.

“It’s been a brilliant 20 years.”

Cook, who is due to become a father for the first time in August, is well on the way to his next career.

He is based at Heythrop Park and will shortly complete the final exams with the PGA to become a professional.

“I’ve been thinking about retiring for about three years,” he said.

“I still really enjoy playing and feel quite fit, so I wanted to keep playing, but it’s just interfering with my new golf career now so it’s become too difficult to continue both.

“If I can make a living out of teaching golf which I love doing, it would be amazing.

“That’s why I’ve decided now’s the right time.”