Archived News from May 2011
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PAUL COX FACTFILE
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by Martin Shaw
Summary: in only five seasons with Eastwood Town, Paul Cox won two promotions (Unibond Div 1 and Unibond Premier), and took them to the top five of Blue Square North, five Nottinghamshire Senior Cup Trophies, and took the club to the third round of the FA Cup plus the first round. Born: 1st January 1972, Nottingham Player - defender Notts County 1991-1995 50 appearances 2 goals Hull City on loan 1994-1995 6 appearances 1 goal Swindon Town ?? Gresley Rovers ?? - 1996 Kettering Town no details Ilkeston Town 2001-2002 Manager Leek Town (assistant Manager) 2002-2003 Eastwood Town (assistant Manager) 2003-2005 Eastwood Town (Manager) 2005-2011 --------------------- Cox plays down new job rumours http://www.bluesqfootball.com/story/0,20970,1849_6926708,00.html Posted: Wednesday, May 11 2011 Departed Eastwood Town boss Paul Cox has played down talk of a new managerial move after being linked with Mansfield and Tamworth. Cox resigned from his position at Coronation Park last week after guiding the Badgers to fourth place in the Blue Square Bet North this season. However, Eastwood were denied entry into the play-offs due to their ground being unsuitable to host the event, while the club has also recently been sold to new owners - a company headed by Jamie Brough. But while Cox admitted his desire to manager at a higher level, he has played down talk of a move to a bigger non-league club. "When I came to the club (Eastwood), the view was to get them into the Conference but there is a realisation now that maybe they are competing at their level," he told This Is Derbyshire. "I want to manage at a higher level and my phone has been buzzing with people asking me if I am going to Boston, Tamworth or Mansfield. "But I haven't left Eastwood because there is something in the pipeline." --------------- Cox: I needed a fresh challenge http://www.eastwoodadvertiser.co.uk/sport/cox_i_needed_a_fresh_challenge_1_3376603 Published on Thursday 12 May 2011 14:34 PAUL Cox looked back on seven years of life at Eastwood Town this week and declared: “I'd taken the club as far as I could.” Cox quit his role as boss of the Badgers last week, citing the significant changes taking place at Coronation Park following a season of both joy and despair as being a good time to seek pastures new. And as new owners prepare to move in and bring with them a new manager, Cox is urging supporters to get behind the next regime as they aim to continue the momentum gained in recent years. He said: “I've got a lot of friends at Eastwood and have loved being here, and I just hope everyone sticks by the new people and that the progress we made continues. “I really hope the foundations people like Rob and myself have laid will be sufficient for people to take the club on to a new level.” Bright start Cox first arrived at Eastwood as assistant manager to Bryan Chambers - as well as overseeing the club's academy - following a playing career that had seen him appear for the likes of Notts County, Swindon Town, Kettering Town and Hull City. The club were then in the Northern Counties East League and although promotion was gained in Cox's first season, Chambers resigned in 2005 with the club bottom of the Northern Premier League Division One. Cox took over as boss, and proceeded to guide the Badgers up the table to finish just outside the play-off zone. It was a period of time which he learned a lot from. He said: “I took over just after the Cambridge City FA Cup tie when we'd been knocked out, and the first five or six games were really difficult. I'd say it was probably the biggest learning curve I've ever had in the game because I came in with a philosophy of wanting to do it a certain way, but you soon realise what the job is about and changes had to be made. “We then went on a great run and finished just a point outside the play-offs. That was some achievement because we had no money and a team full of kids.” Victory in the Notts Senior Cup against Sutton Town brought his first silverware, and another solid season followed as Eastwood finished seventh and again won the Notts Senior Cup. It was the 2006/7 season which was to bring the first of three promotions in Cox's tenure (comment by Martin - this is wrong - it is only two), with a play-off final at Cammell Laird securing a spot in the UniBond Premier Division. Cox added: “You have to remember that all of the achievements to that point had been secured with very few funds and attendances at Coronation Park struggling to get over 200. “People have tended to only associate the success at Eastwood Town with the money we've had in recent years, but initially we did really well with a very tight budget and a squad which included a lot of players I'd brought through the academy.” Change But life was to change dramatically in October 2007 when the club was bought by local entrepreneur Robert Yong, who moved quickly to persuade Cox to leave his teaching job and work full-time as boss. Cox says that was a situation that took some getting used to. “Rob's first game was against Fleetwood where we had a right-back playing up front and a young lad we'd just brought in from amateur football alongside him, so even though we won 2-1 it was immediately obvious what was needed!” he said. “But going full-time was a bit strange as it wasn't really a full-time job at first, as we didn't have an academy to work with every day, nor any full-time players which I don't think football at this level warrants. But in the end I was spending a lot of time on the phone and watching games so it kept me very busy.” With a vastly-enhanced playing budget the Eastwood squad grew in quality and promotion was only denied thanks to a 4-0 play-off semi-final defeat against Gateshead, though that match left the owner and management certain that a large overhaul was needed if further progress was to be made, despite more silverware in the shape of the UniBond League Challenge Cup and yet another Notts Senior Cup success. Cox said: “The Gateshead game was men against boys and we found out the kind of quality we'd need if we were going to challenge, but considering we'd been promoted the season before it was a great achievement to finish as high as we did.” Success What followed was a season it would be hard to match ever again, as Eastwood reached the third round proper of the FA Cup and went on to sensationally win the UniBond Premier Division title and progress to the highest level in the club's history. Cox said: “It was a campaign I don't think we could ever have come close to repeating. Clubs two or three times the size of ours never get as far as we did in the FA Cup in their history, and to win the league too was unbelievable. “I said to Rob Yong at the time that it doesn't get any better than that for a football club like this - in fact I should probably have resigned then because how do you top it?! “But it meant the expectation was very high for the next season and we had to try and fulfill that but within reasonable means.” The first season in the Conference North saw Eastwood start strongly before ultimately falling away and finishing tenth - still a fine achievement for a club of its stature. And despite the sacking of his close friend and assistant manager John Ramshaw, Cox felt pleased with that campaign despite some dissenting voices on the terraces. “There were a minority who seemed to have forgotten how far we'd come so quickly and it was perhaps a case where we became victims of our own success,” he said. “I want to win every game but a sense of realism had to be maintained throughout the club. Many fans who'd been with us right from the beginning told me they had to pinch themselves because of where we were, but we couldn't get blasé about winning.” Final chapter Cox's final season at Eastwood was as exciting as it was bizarre. Defeats in the opening four games left the Badgers rooted to the bottom of the table, and whilst FA Cup progress again saw them reach the first round proper, where they were put out by Swindon Supermarine, the league form only started to pick up after a pivotal game at Nuneaton Town in November. Cox said: “I made some pretty drastic changes and the impact was immediate. We'd been playing some great football but were being beaten, and as I'm someone who's only in the game to win, something had to be done. “The players responded well to their new, more familiar roles, and we went from strength to strength.” A number of unbeaten runs followed, including a league record 19 games to the end of the season, and Conference Premier side Rushden & Diamonds were dumped out of the FA Trophy in a thrilling 4-3 replay win in January. But the news that Coronation Park's ground grading was insufficient for the club to compete in the end-of-season play-off competition was to shatter Cox and his squad, with their blistering climb up the table and into the top five suddenly rendered fruitless. “We were all demoralised but to the credit of the players they pulled their socks up, got on with it, and finished fourth,” he said. “We had no fear of the Conference National and I really felt we could compete, not necessarily in the top echelons but I don't think we'd have been relegated, not with the team spirit, mentality and good players we had.” But in a final reflection on his time at the club, Cox looked back with great pride. He said: “People kept throwing stats at me saying my win ratio was up there with some of the top managers in the game, and that's not me being arrogant, it just shows how much we've achieved as a group in the last few years. “But I felt it was a good time to walk away and while I don't currently have anything lined up I hope to be back in the game very soon. “I've been really humbled by the messages I've had since I resigned and Eastwood's will certainly be the first result I look for each week.” ----------------- Paul Cox is the front-runner for vacant Boston United manager's position http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/sport/Paul-Cox-runner-vacant-Boston-United-manager-s-position/article-3542137-detail/article.html Wednesday, May 11, 2011 FORMER Eastwood Town boss Paul Cox has emerged as a leading contender for the Boston United manager's job. The Echo understands Cox has already been interviewed by the Pilgrims and is waiting to hear if he will be the man to succeed Rob Scott and Paul Hurst on a permanent basis. Chairman David Newton wants a boss with non-league experience and Cox fits the bill after guiding Eastwood from Evo-Stik League Division One (South) to Blue Square Bet North in his five years at the club. The former Notts County player left Eastwood after the Badgers were barred from competing in the play-offs because their Coronation Park ground did not meet Conference criteria. Cox, who was at Boston's play-off defeat to Guiseley on Sunday, felt he had taken the Nottinghamshire side as far as he could and eventually wants to manage at a higher level. "I'd be stupid if I said I wasn't interested in the Boston job," Cox said. "It's an ambitious club with a fabulous set-up. It's a sleeping giant. "I'm ambitious too. I had a year left on my contract at Eastwood and could have stayed there and taken the money. "But with the club not being allowed to take part in the play-offs, it was tough to take. After five years, it was hard to leave, but I felt I'd taken them as far as I could." Eastwood finished fourth in the table and would have faced the Pilgrims in the play-offs had they been allowed to compete. -------------------- Paul Cox resigns..... http://www.eastwoodtownfc.co.uk/newsitem.php?category=4&id=828 Thu, 5th May 2011 After speaking with Paul last night, it is with regret that he has now resigned from his post as Manager of Eastwood Town FC. Paul has spent the last few weeks considering his future and although it was a tough decision, he has decided that it is time to move on from Eastwood Town FC. He feels that with the disappointment of the decision from the Conference not to allow us to compete in the play-offs and with myself and Rob's decision to step away from the club, now would be a good time to step aside and give someone else the opportunity to take the club to the next level. It has been a pleasure to work with Paul over the last few years and I'm sure there will be a lot of supporters who will be disappointed to see him depart after taking the club to its highest ever league finish. Paul took the manager's job on at a time when Eastwood were struggling at the bottom of the UniBond Division One and fighting a battling relegation. Despite a difficult start, the team finished just outside the play-off's position. The following season the Badgers finished in third position but gained promotion through the play-off's after a 2-1 victory over Cammell Laird. Their first season at UniBond Premier level saw the Badgers gain a creditable 4th after a turbulent season, however they were swept aside by a talented Gateshead side in the play-off's. In the 2008/09 season Eastwood were the toast of the non-league world, winning the UniBond Premier League, and reaching the third round of the F.A. Cup. The Non League Daily, Britain's premier national newspaper dedicated to non league football, voted Manager Paul, the 10th best non league manager in the country. Over the season his team recorded 32 wins, 14 draws with only 7 defeats, scoring 98 goals in the process and having a goal difference of +56. Eastwood's first ever season at Blue Square North level saw them finish tenth after leading the table twice, and being in with a shout of the play-off's until the final two weeks of the season. This season he rebuilt a team that has finished on an unprecedented unbeaten run to finish fourth in the league. The team now proudly hold the record for the Blue Square North longest unbeaten run which is testament to Paul and the fantastic bunch of lads in the squad. So in only five seasons Paul has won two promotions, five Nottinghamshire Senior Cup Trophies, and taken the club to the third round of the FA Cup two seasons (comment by Martin - this is wrong - it is third round once and first round once). On behalf of everyone at Eastwood Town FC, I would like to thank Paul for his tremendous work record and commitment over the last six years and wish him every success in the future. -------------------- BREAKING NEWS: Cox quits as Badgers boss eastwoodadvertiser.co.uk, Friday 6 May 2011 PAUL Cox has resigned as manager of Eastwood Town Football Club. http://www.eastwoodadvertiser.co.uk/news/eastwood-kimberley-news/breaking_news_cox_quits_as_badgers_boss_1_3357854 The news comes after Cox, who took charge at Coronation Park in 2005, led the Badgers to their highest ever league finish of fourth in the Blue Square Bet North last season. It marks the end of an era in which the former Notts County defender oversaw two promotions, progress to the third round of the FA Cup in 2009, a UniBond League Challenge Cup victory and five Nottinghamshire Senior Cup successes. A statement on the club's official website from chairman Tony Minnis said: “After speaking with Paul last night, it is with regret that he has now resigned from his post as manager of Eastwood Town FC. “Paul has spent the last few weeks considering his future and although it was a tough decision, he has decided that it is time to move on from Eastwood Town FC. “He feels that with the disappointment of the decision from the Conference not to allow us to compete in the play-offs and with myself and Rob Yong's decision to step away from the club, now would be a good time to step aside and give someone else the opportunity to take the club to the next level. “It has been a pleasure to work with Paul over the last few years and I'm sure there will be a lot of supporters who will be disappointed to see him depart after taking the club to its highest ever league finish. “ Cox told the Advertiser on Friday: “It was a tough decision to make but having talked things over with my partner and considered many different aspects of what has been happening recently, I feel I've taken the club as far as I can at this moment in time and that now is the right moment to step aside. “I feel I need a fresh challenge having been at Eastwood for so long and I think I'm leaving the club in a really healthy state, at the highest level it's ever been at and at a time when lots of things will be changing with new owners expected to be coming in.” For more on this story, including an in-depth interview with Cox where he'll discuss his tenure at Coronation Park, see next week's Eastwood and Kimberley Advertiser ----------------- In October 2007 Robert Yong became the Chairman of the club. on 21 April, 2008 the club lifted their first trophy under the new regime. The Badgers beat Skelmersdale 3-0 to lift the UniBond Challenge Cup for the first time in its history. A fourth-place finish in the Premier Division earned Eastwood a place in the promotion play-offs, away to Gateshead. However, Gateshead won 4-0. After such an outstanding season, Paul Cox was persuaded to leave his teaching post and become the first full time manager of Eastwood Town. John Ramshaw has also signed a new improved four-year contract with the Badgers. --------------- http://www.eastwoodtownfc.co.uk/managers.php DATES LEAGUE MANAGER 2005 - 2007 Northern Premier Div 1 Paul Cox 2007 - 2009 Northern Premier Premier Division Paul Cox 2009 - 2011 Blue Square Conference North Paul Cox DATES ACADEMY DIRECTOR 2002- 2003 Rudy Funk 2003 - 2008 Paul Cox --------------- http://www.eastwoodtownfc.co.uk/history.php Since his promotion from Assistant Manager to Manager in October 2006, Paul Cox has led the club to two County Senior Cup finals, being victorious on both occasions. The "Badgers" victory over Arnold last April saw them win this magnificent trophy a 12th time in just over 20 years, after waiting nearly 25 years for their first success. To crown a sensational start to Paul's management career, the ex Notts County pivot steered Eastwood to the Unibond N.P.L. Premier Division via last season's play-off competition. ---------------- http://www.footballtransfers.co.uk/profile/paul-cox/8378/ Paul Cox Age: 39 Birthdate: 06/01/1972 Birthplace: Nottingham, England Current club: Eastwood Town Role: Coach Playing position: Defender Transfers 10/04/2003 From Leek Town to Eastwood Town --------------- http://www.gresleyfc.com/players/?id=479 Player Database Paul Cox Debut game v Gloucester City (h) 19th March 1996 Final game for Gresley Rovers first team v Belper Town (h) Derbyshire Senior Cup Final 1st Leg 9th May 1996 Ilkeston Town 2001-2002 Leek Town (ass. Man) 2002-2003 Eastwood Town (ass. Man) 2003-2004 Previous clubs Notts County, Kettering Town Birthdate 6th January 1972 Signed March 1996 Position Central Defender Appearances 11 Goals Scored 1 Clean Sheets N/A Left May 1996 -------------- http://www.oncloudseven.com/cox-p.htm Adequate centre back who came on loan for a month before dropping into the non-League ranks. Now player/coach at Eastwood Town after performing the same role at Leek Town. Born: 1st January 1972, Nottingham Joined the Tigers: 16th December 1994, from Notts County (loan) Notts County 1991-1995 50 appearances 2 goals Hull City on loan 1994-1995 6 appearances 1 goal ----------------- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastwood_Town_F.C. Since his promotion from Assistant Manager to Manager in October 2006, Paul Cox has led the club to three County Senior Cup-finals being victorious on every occasion. The "Badgers" victory over Ollerton Town in May 2008 saw them win this the trophy a 13th time in just over 30 years, after waiting nearly 25 years for their first success. It was also the second time they have won the trophy three years in succession. In October 2007 Robert Yong became the Chairman of the club. On 21 April 2008 the club lifted their first trophy under the new regime, beating Skelmersdale 3-0 to lift the NPL Challenge Cup for the first time in its history. A fourth-place finish in the Premier Division earned Eastwood a place in the promotion play-offs, away to Gateshead. However, Gateshead won 4-0. At the end of the season, Paul Cox was persuaded to leave his teaching post and become the first full time manager of Eastwood Town. In the 2008-2009 FA Cup, with a 2-0 victory over Wrexham in the Fourth Qualifying Round Replay at Coronation Park, Eastwood qualified for the first round proper for the first time since 1999. They went on to beat Brackley Town 2-1 and then Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 in the second round, both at home, to reach the 3rd round in which they lost to Kettering Town 2-1 on the 3rd January 2009. On the 25th April 2009, Eastwood achieved their main objective for the season, when victory over Ossett Town in front of a capacity crowd ensured the Badgers won the Northern Premier League Premier Division in only their second year at this level. Along with the Peter Swales Memorial Shield (beating Durham 2-1 in the final), the F.A. Cup run, and reaching the final of the Nottinghamshire Senior Cup ensured the 2008/09 season will live long in the memoirs of fans both old and new. Eastwood started life in the Conference North with a creditable draw against relegated Northwich Victoria. The Badgers first victory came in on the 11th August 2009 in their first away fixture at Gloucester City. Goals from Peter Knox, Emeka Nwadike and Danny Holland saw the Badgers triumph 3-1 this was followed by another victory away at Harrogate Town. Victory over Alfreton Town and then Gainsborough Trinity at the end of August saw the Badgers lead the table for a period of 3 weeks. They remained in a play-off position until mid February and only saw their challenge falter in the final week of the season. Off the pitch extensive remedial work ensured the ground gained the necessary 'B' grading to remain in the league and work began to remove the pronounced slope to the Coronation Park pitch. The 2010/11 started poorly for the Badgers with their first 10 games yielding a record of Won 3 Drawn 0 Lost 7 scored 14 conceded 21 which saw them hover around the bottom three in the league. Their next 10 games still didn't give a clue as to what was to come next, although their record did improve to a comfortable mid-table Won 8 Drawn 2 Lost 10. However from that point on they flew up the league to get into the play off positions on the 12th April 2011. However, the league informed the club that they couldn't take part in the playoffs should they finish in the top five place at the end of the season. The appeal against the decision was heard on the 19th April and the original decision upheld. Despite the set back the players continued to perform heroically and the club finished 4th, with the players setting a new Blue Square North record of 19 league games unbeaten ----------------- |
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