Cox plans to make loan debut in October

Crawley Town's new signing Dean Cox has revealed playing under Ian Chapman was the main reason for him choosing to go on loan to Burgess Hill.
Burgess Hill Town boss Ian Chapman with Dean Cox and chairman Kevin Newell SUS-160923-130552001Burgess Hill Town boss Ian Chapman with Dean Cox and chairman Kevin Newell SUS-160923-130552001
Burgess Hill Town boss Ian Chapman with Dean Cox and chairman Kevin Newell SUS-160923-130552001

The former Leyton Orient fans’ favourite worked with the Hillians’ boss when he was at Brighton, where Chapman was first team coach under Dean Wilkins.

Also, Hillians’ coach Russell Bromage was under-13s manager at the Seagulls when Cox was there.

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Despite being three divisions below Crawley in the Ryman Premier, Cox opted to go to a club very local to his Haywards Heath home.

Dean Cox. Crawley v Luton. Picture by Phil Westlake SUS-160918-185359001Dean Cox. Crawley v Luton. Picture by Phil Westlake SUS-160918-185359001
Dean Cox. Crawley v Luton. Picture by Phil Westlake SUS-160918-185359001

The midfielder cannot play for Crawley until January because he was signed after the close of the transfer deadline window.

Cox revealed: “I know Ian Chapman and it’s a club that ticks all the boxes.

“I’m going for fitness and helping Burgess Hill, I don’t want to disrupt the squad.

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“It’s flexible, It’s not guaranteed I’ll play every game - there are six home games I am looking to play, but I don’t want to take players’ places.”

Cox. 29, is targeting to play his first game for Hill against Needham Market on October 22.

He knows what to expect having previously played for them on loan from Brighton as a youth.

Cox said: “I know I’ll be up against a few elbows and they will give me a rough time - but you get that in League 2, in which I’ve played, it’s a bit better in League 1 where I have played the most.

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“It’s not a problem - I hope to do well for Burgess hill to get fit for Crawley. I’m looking forward to being with the boys and playing games.

“January can’t come early enough so I can become part of Crawley’s good start to the season.

“Saturday at Morecambe was a great result and long may the wins continue!”

Cox is currently keeping fit in the gym but will join Reds for training for the first time this Monday.

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