Giles Coke
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{use British English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Giles Coke
| image =
| fullname = Giles Christopher Coke{{Cite book
| editor-first = Barry J.
| editor-last = Hugman
| title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10
| year = 2009
| publisher = Mainstream Publishing
| isbn = 978-1-84596-474-0}}
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=11}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|6|3|df=y}}
| birth_place = Westminster, England
| currentclub = Sheffield Wednesday
(U18s assistant coach)
| position = Midfielder
| youthyears1 = 2002–2004
| youthclubs1 = Queens Park Rangers
| years1 = 2004–2005
| clubs1 = Kingstonian
| caps1 = 28
| goals1 = 5
| years2 = 2005–2007
| clubs2 = Mansfield Town
| caps2 = 70
| goals2 = 5
| years3 = 2007–2009
| clubs3 = Northampton Town
| caps3 = 52
| goals3 = 7
| years4 = 2009–2010
| clubs4 = Motherwell
| caps4 = 32
| goals4 = 2
| years5 = 2010–2015
| clubs5 = Sheffield Wednesday
| caps5 = 84
| goals5 = 6
| years6 = 2011–2012
| clubs6 = → Bury (loan)
| caps6 = 30
| goals6 = 6
| years7 = 2012–2013
| clubs7 = → Swindon Town (loan)
| caps7 = 4
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2015
| clubs8 = → Bolton Wanderers (loan)
| caps8 = 4
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2015–2017
| clubs9 = Ipswich Town
| caps9 = 10
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2018
| clubs10 = Chesterfield
| caps10 = 2
| goals10 = 0
| years11 = 2018–2020
| clubs11 = Oldham Athletic
| caps11 = 4
| goals11 = 0
| years12 = 2020–2021
| clubs12 = Hereford
| caps12 = 9
| goals12 = 0
| years13 = 2021–2022
| clubs13 = Grimsby Town
| caps13 = 41
| goals13 = 1
| totalcaps = 370
| totalgoals = 26
| club-update = 09:13, 31 May 2022 (UTC)
}}
Giles Christopher Coke (born 3 June 1986) is an English former professional footballer and coach who is under-18s assistant coach at Sheffield Wednesday.
As a player, he was a midfielder who most notably featured at EFL Championship level for Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton Wanderers and Ipswich Town and in the Scottish Premier League for Motherwell. He has also appeared professionally for Mansfield Town, Northampton Town, Bury, Swindon Town, Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic and Grimsby Town, as well as non-league sides Kingstonian and Hereford.
Following retirement in 2022 he became a youth team development coach at Grimsby Town, before leaving at the end of the 2022–23 season. He joined his old club Sheffield Wednesday as U18 assistant coach in January 2024.
Playing career
=Early career=
Coke began his career as a youth player at Queens Park Rangers in 2003, before teaming up with his older brother Jon at non-league side Kingstonian a year later.
=Mansfield Town=
Coke was soon snapped up by Mansfield Town and signed his first professional contract on 31 March 2005.{{cite news|title=Mansfield Town offer contracts to duo|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/mansfield_town/4397919.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 March 2005|access-date=14 August 2014}} He scored his first goal for the club in the second round of the League Cup in the 1–0 win against Southampton,{{cite news|title=Mansfield Town 1–0 Southampton|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4258478.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 September 2005|access-date=14 August 2014}} which still heralds fond memories for Coke. He then went on to score two goals in two appearances against Leyton Orient and Shrewsbury Town respectively, before being linked with several Championship League clubs, including: Southampton, Reading, Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In April 2006, Coke turned down a new two-year contract with Mansfield, but was persuaded by manager Peter Shirtliff to sign a one-year contract to remain at Field Mill for another year. However, during the 2006/7 season, Coke suffered an injury that sidelined him for most of the season. His misfortune continued the following season, which resulted in limited appearances for the club. Despite this, Coke had still impressed enough to entice other clubs; most notably Wycombe Wanderers, to want to sign him.{{cite news|title=Wycombe to move for Mansfield duo|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wycombe_wanderers/6214753.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=28 December 2006|access-date=14 August 2014}}
=Northampton Town=
He signed for Northampton Town on 2 July 2007 on a two-year contract after rejecting a new contract from Mansfield Town.{{Cite news|title=Northampton sign midfielder Coke|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/6261002.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=2 July 2007|access-date=23 September 2008}} A Football League tribunal on 24 September 2007 ruled that Northampton must pay Mansfield a maximum fee of £70,000 (depending on appearances) for the transfer, as well as a sell on clause of 20%.{{Cite news|title=Tribunal sets fee for Coke switch|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/7010931.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=24 September 2007|access-date=23 September 2008}}
Coke remained on the sideline at the start of the season after having a further operation.{{cite news|title=Coke facing longer spell on sidelines|url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/coke-facing-longer-spell-on-sidelines-1-916587|publisher=Northampton Chronicle|date=28 August 2007|access-date=14 August 2014}} In early October, Coke was showing signs of recovery and of being fully fit to make a return to training.{{cite news|title=Gray backing Coke to be big hit|url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/gray-backing-coke-to-be-big-hit-1-918181|publisher=Northampton Chronicle|date=8 October 2007|access-date=14 August 2014}} To gain match fitness, Coke played his first for Northampton Town in reserve for 56 minutes, as they beat Southend United, which met the delight of the club's reserve coach Ian Sampson, who believed "his confidence will be sky high at the moment."{{cite news|title=Sammo delighted to see Coke back|url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/sammo-delighted-to-see-coke-back-1-918713|publisher=Northampton Chronicle|date=27 October 2007|access-date=14 August 2014}} Despite potential debut after playing in the reserves, his league debut was delayed once again when he sustained a groin injury and would be out for three weeks following an operation.{{cite news|title=New injury setback for Coke|url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/new-injury-setback-for-coke-1-920013|publisher=Northampton Chronicle|date=29 November 2007|access-date=14 August 2014}}{{cite news|title=Another operation for Coke|url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/another-operation-for-coke-1-922509|publisher=Northampton Chronicle|date=6 December 2007|access-date=14 August 2014}} After being on the sideline, Coke made his debut for the club, coming on for Andy Kirk in the 58th minute and was booked, as Northampton Town lost 3–2 to Leeds United on 5 January 2008.{{cite news|title=Leeds United 3–0 Northampton Town|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7163934.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 January 2008|access-date=14 August 2014}} Since his debut, Coke quickly made an impact and insists he was not a "next Bradley Johnson."{{cite news|title=I'm not replacement for Johnson, says Coke|url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/i-m-not-replacement-for-johnson-says-coke-1-923640|publisher=Northampton Chronicle|date=11 January 2008|access-date=14 August 2014}} Coke scored his first goal for the club, in a 2–0 win over Leyton Orient on 25 January 2008.{{cite news|title=Northampton Town 2–0 Leyton Orient|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7197689.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 January 2008|access-date=14 August 2014}} Coke scored four more goals later in the 2007–08 season against Gillingham,{{cite news|title=Northampton Town 4–0 Gillingham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7236410.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 February 2008|access-date=14 August 2014}} Hartlepool United,{{cite news|title=Hartlepool United 0–1 Northampton Town|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7248362.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 February 2008|access-date=14 August 2014}} Cheltenham Town{{cite news|title=Cheltenham Town 1–1 Northampton Town|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7309325.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 March 2008|access-date=14 August 2014}} and Oldham Athletic.{{cite news|title=Northampton Town 2–0 Oldham Athletic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7344090.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 April 2008|access-date=14 August 2014}}
Coke kick-started the 2008-09 scoring in a 2–1 win over Swindon Town on 21 October 2008.{{cite news|title=Swindon 2–1 Northampton Town|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7672034.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 October 2008|access-date=14 August 2014}} After doubling his goalscoring tally in a 4–4 draw against Scunthorpe United on 13 December 2008,{{cite news|title=Scunthorpe United 4–4 Northampton Town|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7764759.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 December 2008|access-date=14 August 2014}} Coke sustained a calf injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.{{cite news|title=Cobblers hit by injury crisis ahead of big clash|url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/cobblers-hit-by-injury-crisis-ahead-of-big-clash-1-889134|publisher=Northampton Chronicle|date=24 April 2009|access-date=14 August 2014}}
Due to Coke's good performance for Northampton, he was offered a new contract by the club{{cite news|title=Northampton release captain Doig|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/8034447.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 May 2009|access-date=14 August 2014}} and signed a contract with the club on 16 June 2009.{{cite news|title=Coke agrees Cobblers deal|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11703/5384189/coke-agrees-cobblers-deal|publisher=Sky Sports|date=16 June 2009|access-date=14 August 2014}} However, Coke reportedly turned down a new contract for 'The Cobblers', announcing he would leave the club on a free transfer.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}
=Motherwell=
Coke's contract with Northampton expired in the summer of 2009. On 21 July, he signed a one-year contract with Scottish Premier League club Motherwell, becoming new manager Jim Gannon's third signing.
Coke made his European debut for the club against Steaua București but they proved to be too strong for The Steelmen after their lost 5–1 on aggregate. Coke made his league debut for the club in the opening game of the season, where he set up one of Ross Forbes's goals in a 2–2 draw against St Johnstone on 15 August 2009.{{cite news|title=St Johnstone 2 – 2 Motherwell|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8200795.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 August 2009|access-date=14 August 2014}}
He opened his scoring account for Motherwell, after netting twice a thrilling 6–6 draw against Hibernian on 5 May 2010.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8658858.stm|title=Motherwell 6–6 Hibernian|work=BBC Sport|date=5 May 2010|access-date=4 May 2010}} Coke was a regular fixture for The Steelmen, and enjoyed his time at Fir Park. He was offered a new contract with the club, but moved back to England to sign for Sheffield Wednesday in July 2010.
=Sheffield Wednesday=
Coke signed for Sheffield Wednesday under freedom of contract in July 2010.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/8781326.stm |title=Midfielder Giles Coke joins Sheffield Wednesday |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 July 2010 |access-date=2 July 2010}} Coke made his debut for Sheffield Wednesday in a 2–0 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge on 7 August 2010. Three days later, he scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 win over Bury in the first round of League Cup.{{cite news|title=Sheffield Wednesday 1–0 Bury|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8882722.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 August 2010|access-date=14 August 2014}} Coke went to make 27 appearances for the club and scoring 4 including against Brighton & Hove Albion,{{cite news|title=Sheffield Wednesday 1–0 Brighton|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8912836.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 August 2010|access-date=14 August 2014}} Hartlepool United,{{cite news|title=Hartlepool United 0–5 Sheffield Wednesday|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/8922338.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=28 August 2010|access-date=14 August 2014}} Rochdale{{cite news|title=Rochdale 2–1 Sheffield Wednesday|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/9387850.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 February 2011|access-date=14 August 2014}} and Plymouth Argyle.{{cite news|title=Sheffield Wednesday Wed 2–4 Plymouth Argyle|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/9407643.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 March 2011|access-date=14 August 2014}}
Following loan spells at Bury and Swindon Town, Coke returned to the Wednesday first team in January 2013, marking his first league appearance for the Owls since April 2011 with a 3–1 win over Hull City.{{Cite web|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/hull-city-v-sheffield-wednesday-12-january-2013-300189/|title=Hull City v Sheffield Wednesday, 12 January 2013}} His performances in the second half of the 2012–13 season earned Coke a new contract, signing a two-year contract extension with the Owls in June 2013.{{cite news|title=Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Giles Coke has signed a new two-year deal|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11703/8796788/sheffield-wednesday-midfielder-giles-coke-has-signed-a-new-two-year-deal|publisher=Sky Sports|date=28 June 2013|access-date=14 August 2014}}
Coke scored the first goal of the 2014–15 season, after The Owls beat Brighton & Hove Albion 1–0.{{cite web|url=http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/report-brighton-hove-albion-0-1-sheffield-wednesday-1815584.aspx |title=Report: Brighton & Hove Albion 0–1 Sheffield Wednesday |publisher=swfc.co.uk |access-date=14 August 2014 |date=9 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814195122/http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/report-brighton-hove-albion-0-1-sheffield-wednesday-1815584.aspx |archive-date=14 August 2014 |url-status=unfit }} As a result of his performance, Coke was named in the Football League Team of the Week.{{cite web|url=http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/giles-coke-included-in-football-league-team-of-the-week-1821930.aspx |title=Giles Coke included in Football League 'Team of the Week' |publisher=swfc.co.uk |access-date=14 August 2014 |date=12 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814195118/http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/giles-coke-included-in-football-league-team-of-the-week-1821930.aspx |archive-date=14 August 2014 |url-status=unfit }} Coke's goal was later named as Sheffield Wednesday's Goal of 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/coke-stunner-is-owls-goal-of-the-year-2206665.aspx|title=Coke stunner is Owls' Goal of the Year|publisher=swfc.co.uk|date=16 January 2015|access-date=6 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119231626/http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/coke-stunner-is-owls-goal-of-the-year-2206665.aspx|archive-date=19 January 2015 |url-status=live}} He was released by Sheffield Wednesday at the end of the 2014–15 season.
After one season at Hillsborough, Coke went on loan to Bury until January 2012.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14708542.stm |title=Bury make triple deadline swoop |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 August 2011 |access-date=23 January 2012}} That was later extended until the end of the 2011–12 season.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16547449.stm |title=Bury re-sign Giles Coke from Sheffield Wednesday on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 January 2012 |access-date=23 January 2012}} Coke made his debut for Bury in a 4–0 loss against Sheffield United on 3 September 2011. On 1 October 2011, Coke scored his first goal for Bury in a 3–1 victory over Yeovil Town. On 21 January 2012, Coke was in a row with captain Steven Schumacher over who should take a penalty. Shortly after, both players were booked. Eventually, Schumacher took the penalty and scored to make it 3–0. The match ended 3–2 victory over Yeovil Town. 3 days later after Bury match, Coke apologised privately to the team, the captain, and the manager.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16673091.stm |title= Bury's Giles Coke apologises for Steven Schumacher penalty row |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 January 2012 |access-date=23 January 2012}} Following that incident, Coke went on to become a fan's favourite at Gigg Lane due to the superb performances he put in for the Shakers in their fight for League 1 survival. However, he was unable to return to Bury for a second time once his loan spell with the club ended.{{cite news|title=Barker: Big clubs hunting Coke|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11703/7699570/barker-big-clubs-hunting-coke|publisher=Sky Sports|date=24 April 2012|access-date=14 August 2014}}
On 31 August 2012, Coke signed for Swindon on loan from Sheffield Wednesday until January 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/article/townmakeitfive-345395.aspx |title=Town Make It Five |publisher=Swindon Town FC |access-date=31 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814193254/http://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/article/townmakeitfive-345395.aspx |archive-date=14 August 2014 |url-status=unfit }} He made his debut for the club, coming on for Simon Ferry in the 70th minute, in a 2–2 draw against Carlisle United on 15 September 2012.{{cite news|title=Carlisle United 2 – 2 Swindon Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19527955 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 September 2012 |access-date=14 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917015954/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19527955 |archive-date=17 September 2012 }} After making four appearances, Coke returned to his parent club on 5 October 2012.
On 5 March 2015, Coke joined Bolton Wanderers on an emergency loan deal until the end of the 2014–15 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/giles-coke-loaned-to-bolton-2316856.aspx|title=Giles Coke loaned to Bolton|publisher=Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|date=5 March 2015|access-date=6 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402105253/http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/giles-coke-loaned-to-bolton-2316856.aspx|archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=live}} He made his Bolton Wanderers debut on 11 March 2015, in a 1–0 loss against Blackburn Rovers.{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 1–0 Bolton Wanderers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31723890|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 March 2015|access-date=6 July 2015}} In total, he made four appearances for the club before returning to his parent club.
=Ipswich Town=
On 3 August 2015, Coke joined Ipswich Town on a two-year deal. He made his Blues' debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup.{{cite news|title=Ipswich Town: Giles Coke and Larsen Toure sign for Suffolk club|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33765237|work=BBC Sport|date=3 August 2015}} He was released by the club in the summer 2017.[http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2017-05-18/douglas-best-and-coke-among-players-released-by-ipswich-town/ Douglas, Best and Coke among players released by Ipswich Town]‚ itv.com, 18 May 2017
=Chesterfield=
Coke joined Chesterfield on 1 February 2018 on a deal until the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Giles Coke Signs for Spireites|url=https://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/news/2018/february/20180201-giles-coke-signs-for-spireites/|access-date=1 February 2018|publisher=Chesterfield Official Site|date=1 February 2018|archive-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202190041/https://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/news/2018/february/20180201-giles-coke-signs-for-spireites/|url-status=dead}} His contract was not renewed by Chesterfield at the end of the 2017–18 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44074524|title=Ian Evatt: Chesterfield release veteran defender after spell in caretaker charge|date=11 May 2018|access-date=11 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}
=Oldham Athletic=
During the close-season, Coke joined Oldham Athletic on trial and featured in two friendly matches. On 16 July 2018, he signed a two-year contract with the club.{{Cite web | title = Giles Coke signs two-year Oldham Athletic deal after successful trial | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 16 July 2018 | access-date = 16 July 2018 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44851687}} Playing only four times in two seasons, Coke later attributed his lack of appearances at Oldham as problems with the club's owner, although not elaborating on the details he says his absence was not down to injury.{{Cite news|url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/giles-coke-grimsby-oldham-efl-5003855|title = Giles Coke on his fight to secure Grimsby Town move|newspaper = Grimsbylive|date = 15 February 2021}}
=Hereford=
After a successful trial, Coke joined National League North club Hereford on 17 September 2020, dropping into Non-League for the first time in his career.{{Cite web | title = NEW SIGNING Coke Becomes a Bull | publisher= Hereford F.C. | date = 17 September 2020 | access-date = 17 September 2020 | url = https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/new-signing-coke-becomes-a-bull/?fbclid=IwAR31PkHGfK3Z3pHn3CdVayjXxbRHGRrPlFqUtn-PCnezFphW_hEpN9BPjSk}} During January 2021, Coke began training with Grimsby Town with a view of returning to the Football League and professional football. On 29 January, Hereford announced that they had waived the seven day notice period effectively releasing him to allow him to sign for Grimsby.{{Cite web|url=https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/news-an-update-on-coke-and-john-lewis/|title=NEWS | an Update on Coke and John-Lewis | Hereford FC - the Official website of Hereford FC}} Having not signed for Grimsby on the Transfer Deadline day on 1 February, manager Paul Hurst announced that he had yet to make a final decision and that Coke was still training with The Mariners.{{Cite news|url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/grimsby-town-loans-national-league-4959480|title=Plans to reduce Grimsby Town squad facing major obstacle|newspaper=Grimsbylive|date=3 February 2021}}
On 4 February 2021, Paul Hurst announced a registration issue that saw Coke still registered to the League would prevent him from signing for Grimsby. The player was under the impression he had been released but his League registration meant a deal would have had to have been done prior to the transfer window.{{Cite news|url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/giles-coke-grimsby-move-off-4967731|title = Giles Coke move to Grimsby Town off amid registration issue|newspaper = Grimsbylive|date = 4 February 2021}}
=Grimsby Town=
On 12 February 2021, Coke joined Grimsby Town on a deal until the end of the 2020–21 season, having been allowed to join the club after speaking to the National League in order to terminate his registration with them.{{Cite news|url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/grimsby-town-sign-giles-coke-4996432|title = Grimsby Town sign midfielder Giles Coke until end of the season|newspaper = Grimsbylive|date = 12 February 2021}}
After impressing over his 17 games in the 2020–21 season, Coke was offered and duly signed a one-year contract extension on 9 June 2021.{{Cite news|url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/giles-coke-grimsby-town-contract-5507998|title = Giles Coke signs new contract with Grimsby Town|newspaper = Grimsbylive|date = 9 June 2021}}
Coke was named as Grimsby's club captain for the 2021–22 season, saying "I am really happy about it - it shows the manager believes in me. Even if I don't play every game, I will always try to help everyone in the team as much as I can, so we can all be successful. Even though I am captain, I also see some of the others as captains as well in a way. There are others who can add similar things to the team and just because I am wearing the armband doesn't mean they haven't got an input."{{Cite news|url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/grimsby-town-giles-coke-captain-5836859|title = Giles Coke delighted to be named Grimsby Town captain|newspaper = Grimsbylive|date = 26 August 2021}}
Grimsby secured promotion with victory in the play-off final, though Coke was not in the matchday squad at London Stadium.{{cite news |last1=Peddy |first1=Chris |title=Grimsby beat Solihull Moors to seal EFL return |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61628696 |access-date=9 June 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=5 June 2022}}
On 11 June 2022, following promotion back to the Football League the club announced their retained list ahead of the 2022–23 season and confirmed that Coke would be among those released when his contract expires on 30 June.{{cite web | url=https://gtfc.co.uk/mariners-retained-list-announced/ | title=Mariners Retained List Announced - Grimsby Town Football Club | date=11 June 2022 }}
Coaching career
Following the end of his playing contract, Coke made an immediate return to Grimsby Town as a development coach.{{cite web | url=https://gtfc.co.uk/coke-returns-to-blundell-park/?fbclid=IwAR3_gUQuFX0sVxFOvC087kbXGmoGJiLxCni9lmOsIn68ThQGYkedNzlPNjE&fs=e&s=cl | title=Coke Returns to Blundell Park - Grimsby Town Football Club | date=8 July 2022 }}
Grimsby chairman Jason Stockwood hailed Coke on his appointment saying "I've been working with Giles on a couple of projects outside his playing. I'm trying to think of how you help players transition post their football careers.
What he did for us last year in the locker room was pretty clear and Paul couldn't speak highly [enough] of him as a character, as a professional. So that was the first thing. And then we've had some interactions around just trying to think about how we help people transition with all the skills that they've got that are transferable. We haven't got an answer for that yet. But Giles showed great capacity and intellect for taking stuff on beyond the playing side of the game. Neil Woods and the staff at the academy are doing an amazing job at developing players. But we thought: 'how do we bridge that gap between the development players and the first team? So Paul came to us with that recommendation. It was an easy yes with the sort of character he is, the way that Paul thinks he can play a positive influence on the first team squad as well, it seemed like an easy yes for us."{{cite news | url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/grimsby-town-chairman-hails-appointment-7323509 | title=Grimsby Town chairman Jason Stockwood discusses Giles Coke's return to the club | newspaper=Grimsbylive | date=13 July 2022 }}
On 12 July 2022, Coke played for Grimsby in a 6-1 behind the closed doors friendly victory over Hull City U23s.{{cite web | url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2022/july/hull-city-u23s-1-6-grimsby-town-match-report/ | title=Hull City U23s 1-6 Grimsby Town: Match Report | date=12 July 2022 }}
It was announced that Coke would depart his coaching role at Grimsby at the end of the 2022–23 season.{{cite web | url=https://gtfc.co.uk/coke-to-leave-the-mariners/ | title=Coke to leave the Mariners - Grimsby Town Football Club | date=8 May 2023 }}
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 8 May 2021}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honours
Sheffield Wednesday
- Football League One runner-up: 2011–12
Grimsby Town
- National League play-offs: 2022
Individual
- Football League One Player of the Month: August 2010{{cite web |title=npower Player of the Month 2010/11 |url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/archive/20110506/npower-player-of-the-month-201011_2293451_2413865 |publisher=The Football League |access-date=19 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125113036/http://www.football-league.co.uk/archive/20110506/npower-player-of-the-month-201011_2293451_2413865 |archive-date=25 November 2011 |df=dmy-all }}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Coke, Giles}}
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