Brighton & Hove Albion Legend Tommy Cook Honored with Statue in His Hometown
June 6, 2025
Tommy Cook, Brighton & Hove Albion’s all-time top scorer and one of the most revered figures in the club’s history, has been immortalized with a bronze statue unveiled in his hometown of Cuckfield, West Sussex. The tribute honors not only his prolific footballing legacy but also his remarkable service as a war hero and first-class cricketer.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Thursday afternoon in front of hundreds of supporters, local residents, and dignitaries. Positioned outside the newly renovated community park, the statue captures Cook in his iconic Albion kit, frozen mid-stride as if chasing one more goal for the Seagulls. The ceremony was attended by Brighton club officials, former players, and members of the Cook family.
A Dual-Sport Legend
Born in Cuckfield in 1901, Tommy Cook is remembered for an extraordinary athletic career that spanned both football and cricket. For Brighton & Hove Albion, he scored a record 123 goals in 209 appearances between 1922 and 1929, a feat that still stands nearly a century later. His sharp instincts, powerful shooting, and unshakable loyalty to the club made him a fan favorite and a local legend.
Outside of football, Cook also represented Sussex County Cricket Club in 460 first-class matches, amassing more than 20,000 runs over two decades. His rare ability to shine in both sports cemented his reputation as one of the greatest all-round athletes England has ever produced.
Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom, who gave a heartfelt speech at the event, said:
“Tommy Cook embodied everything our club stands for—passion, dedication, and community. Honoring him with this statue is a long overdue recognition of a true Albion legend. It’s fitting that it stands in the very town where his remarkable journey began.”
War Hero and Gentleman
Cook’s legacy extends well beyond sports. He served with distinction in the Royal Air Force during World War II, surviving a near-fatal plane crash in 1943 that left him with lasting injuries. Despite the trauma, he returned home with honor and humility, refusing to let his hardships overshadow his commitment to community and sport.
Mayor of Cuckfield, Sarah Wilkins, highlighted this aspect of his life during the unveiling:
“Tommy was not just a sportsman; he was a hero in the truest sense of the word. Through every chapter of his life, he showed courage, integrity, and pride in representing his hometown. This statue is more than just a tribute to a footballer—it’s a symbol of everything good this community stands for.”
A Personal and Community Tribute
The statue was funded through a joint effort by Brighton & Hove Albion, the Cuckfield Historical Society, and a fan-led crowdfunding campaign that raised over £85,000. Sculptor Rachel Whitaker, who spent more than six months crafting the statue, said she aimed to capture “the energy and humility” of Cook’s character.
“It was important that this wasn’t just a sporting monument,” Whitaker said. “Tommy Cook touched lives well beyond the pitch, and I wanted to reflect that strength and humanity in his expression and posture.”
Cook’s great-grandson, Jonathan Cook, was visibly moved as he addressed the crowd.
“To see Granddad Tommy remembered like this is something our family will treasure forever. He lived for football, for Cuckfield, and for doing the right thing. This statue will help future generations know the kind of man he was.”
Club and Community United
Brighton & Hove Albion also announced they will be commemorating Cook during an upcoming home fixture at the Amex Stadium, with players set to wear special warm-up shirts bearing his name and signature. A new hospitality suite will also be named the “Tommy Cook Lounge,” further embedding his story into the modern fabric of the club.
The club’s current manager, Roberto De Zerbi, reflected on Cook’s legacy:
“Every player who pulls on this shirt should know who Tommy Cook was. He paved the way for everything Brighton & Hove Albion has become. His story is an inspiration—not just for footballers, but for anyone striving to leave a mark through hard work and humility.”
Lasting Legacy
In an age where modern stars dominate headlines, the statue of Tommy Cook serves as a powerful reminder of football’s roots—and of the local heroes who built the foundations on which today’s game thrives. For Cuckfield and Brighton, it’s a shared symbol of pride, resilience, and tradition.
As the sun set behind the bronze figure of Cook on Thursday, a group of schoolchildren laid flowers at the statue’s base, smiling as they asked questions about the man behind the legend. If legacy is about who remembers you and why, Tommy Cook’s memory seems destined to endure for generations to come.
