Scunthorpe United is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Cox as our new First Team Manager.
The 48-year-old arrives from Notts County, where he was Assistant Manager to Neal Ardley. Hailing from the town, Cox is well known to Scunthorpe fans, having come through the ranks at the club. He made 26 appearances, scoring one goal, before a move to top-flight side Aston Villa in early 1991 for a fee of £400,000.
The former defender, who won caps as an England Under-21 international, went on to also play at the highest level for Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers and Watford before ending his playing career with Cardiff City, Crewe Alexandra and Leek Town. Coxmade a total of 652 senior career appearances and scored 42 goals.
He started his coaching life with a management stint at Leek Town before a six-year spell as assistant to Neal Ardley at AFC Wimbledon. The duo then went on to manage Notts County.
Bloody hell 29 years since he played for us, how time flies.
I know, makes me feel really old now!
I guess with the current issues around COVID-19, wage caps, and the economic fall out from the pandemic that this was probably the best we could get. Bringing in an inexperienced manager along with our inexperienced squad could make for a tough season ahead. That said, the way things are right now I’d be happy if we could get though next season avoiding relegation and insolvency. Maybe being a local lad he’ll be better at building the bridges between the fans and the team…
At least we have a manager, and some shiny new players….
Just watched his first interview, great to see someone so enthusiastic for the club. We might see a different approach from the touchline this coming season. Hope we get Lillis as his No.2.
If enthusiasm and positivity count for anything Neil Cox will succeed,and i really hope that he does and we shall all be the better for it.
His chances of success would improve greatly if Swann leaves him alone to get on with it and concentrates on the things Neil can`t do like signing cheques.
First came across Neil reffing him playing U13/14 for App Frod(Alan Cooke’s team)They were winning all their games by large margins, mainly due to Neil and another talented lad Wayne Sykes – who joined him as apprentices at the iRON. Fast forward several years and one Saturday we heard that Neil had signed for Villa and was flying out to Hong Kong to join his new team mates. That same afternoon I was reffing Wayne Sykes as he turned out for Swinefleet in the Scunthorpe Saturday League. Such a fine line between these two highly talented youngsters. Wish him all the luck in the world – he may need it!
Think Mark Lillis was at the Club the same time as Cox.
Also there is the Aston Villa connection.
Lillis is a very experienced No 2 and Coach and he full of passion and enthusiasm for the Club he is at.
You only have to remember that famous occasion against Swansea.
Listening to him on the Pod Cast he would love to come back.
Really promising interview with Neil today. Saying all the right things. Just hope Peter doesn’t meddle and lets him get on with it. Sounded like he wants to make a couple more additions and they may be of the experienced variety. Welcome home Coxy lad!
I would like Mark, but wonder if he would bring someone like Michael Doyle in from County as Player / assistant manager for a experienced head on the pitch.
Just watched his first interview. Really impressed at how he comes across and the positive vibes make for a very welcome and refreshing change. I do hope he gets time and can have success with us. Feeling good about this UTI
Encouraging he said he was involved in the new signings, Hopefully He can get the team playing good Attacking football. And with the new players and squad Being so young they will be hungry and desperate to play, this will be and interesting season just hope we can get to watch a large part of it.
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