Neil Cox Announces Retirement

Former Watford star and current Alex midfielder Neil Cox is set to retire at the end of the current season. The 36 year old announced his decision this week as he approaches the end of his two year contract at Gresty Road.

Cox started his career at his hometown club Scunthorpe in 1990. He went on to play over 550 games over the next 18 years, totaling £3,400,000 in transfer fees paid for his services. Cox also played in the Premiership for Watford, Bolton, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa.

He signed for the Alex in the summer of 2006 from Cardiff CIty and after starting out in his ‘natural’ centre back position he converted to a defensive midfielder with the help of Dario Gradi. Captaining the team in over 50 games since arriving Cox is known to be a popular figure at Gresty Towers.

Having recently had a shoulder operation, Cox looks set to play some part in the final three games as he signs off his career but it won’t be the last we see of him. Cox is thought to be interested in taking up management having been linked to positions at Scunthorpe and Port Vale in the past, and Cox himself revealed he wants to return to the game after a short break.

He told CreweAlex.net: ‘I want to spend a bit more time with my wife and my two daughters and see what might materialise in the future. I’m sure I will return to the game in some capacity in the future, but at the moment I want to concentrate on the remainder of this season and then if anything interesting comes up.

‘I’ve had a great career but as a professional footballer you have to make sacrifices when it comes to your family life, especially when it comes to Christmas, Easter and the holiday period.’

Vital Crewe would like to wish Cox all the best in his retirement.