Nottingham Forest man makes surprise announcement as he gets deal 'over the line'

Nottingham Forest star Steve Cook has helped a non-league outfit take a "massive step in the ambitions of the club" in a surprise announcement.

Cook is a fan-favourite among Reds supporters at the City Ground and has shown his incredible generosity by providing financial support to non-league club Westfield FC.

The East-Sussex club currently play in the Mid Sussex League Premier Division, step 11 of the English football pyramid, but will benefit with a new shoot of income after Cook became the majority shareholder.

In a statement, the Forest defender said: "I am delighted to get this over the line. The opportunity arose as I'm close to my family. The idea fitted with my current ambitions and looking to help progress local football. I am looking forward to adding to this great club and helping to take it to the next level."

Chairman Jack Stapley added: "I've known Steve a long time and this has been a long few months of talks that have brought us to this point.

"It's a fantastic time to be involved with the club that now has six adult teams and eight youth teams, a new ground happening and a chance to kick the club onto bigger things.

"Steve matches the ambition of the club and he can't wait to get started."