Winger Regan Charles-Cook now settled at Ross County after difficult start
REGAN Charles-Cook has opened up on the homesickness he felt during a difficult start to his Ross County career.
The young Londoner, after arriving from Gillingham in summer 2020, looked a shadow of the impressive performer he has been this season for the Staggies.
Now a mainstay in manager Malky Mackay’s side, he has played with a buzz and energy, scored twice, and proven one of the team’s main providers of chances.
It was very different last season as Charles-Cook dropped in and out of the team showing only flashes of his ability.
The winger credits the personal transformation partly to the easing of Covid restrictions and partly to a special team spirit built by the staff and manager since the summer.
Brothers Anthony and Reice are also professional players, while uncle James Cook is a former British super middleweight boxing champion.
“It was probably the most difficult time I could have chosen to come here. I’d never lived outside of London and had always lived with my parents,” Regan-Cook said.
“At the time, the boys were not allowed to bond away from training and it was really tough moving away on my own.
“My family couldn’t come and see me and I couldn’t go to see them. What happens off the pitch plays a part in what happens on it and when you’re not playing it is difficult.
“When I came back here in the summer, I felt a big change with what the manager has been putting in place. They were all little changes in the way we worked, but they add up to big changes.
“It has made a big impact on us all. The players still have to be cautious and careful with Covid, but it is good even just to go for a cup of coffee or hang around together a little bit after training.”