An interview with Neil Cox, by Callum McFadden for WFi.
You started your career at Scunthorpe United, coming through the system and representing the first team at a young age. What are your memories of Scunthorpe as a player?
“I was a local boy and grew up next to the old stadium. I could actually look out of my mum and dad’s bedroom window and see the pitch, so it was always somewhere I dreamed of playing. By the time I became an apprentice, they’d moved to a new stadium just down the road.”
What was it like stepping into that new stadium, especially as someone who grew up in the area?
“Yeah, it really did. It was the first purpose-built stadium in the country at the time, so it was a big deal for the club. They had a brilliant opening day, and then the season started. Some supporters found the transition difficult after so many years at the old ground, but eventually they settled in and embraced the new surroundings.”
You quickly attracted attention and joined Aston Villa. What was it like working under Ron Atkinson?
“First and foremost, the club itself is massive. You don’t realise just how big it is until you’re part of it. They’d won the European Cup and had an incredible history. Ron was a real character – he loved socialising with the players and created a happy, positive environment. He wanted everyone to enjoy themselves while working hard, and that’s exactly the culture he built.”
That League Cup-winning team had some big names. What was the dressing room like?
“I was one of the young lads, and all those players – especially Big Paul [McGrath] – were heroes of mine. Playing alongside him every week was surreal. Kevin Richardson was our captain; he’d won league titles and was a proper leader. The senior players were brilliant at guiding us younger ones, helping us build our careers.”
What are your memories of that League Cup success?
“Definitely special. It was a tough run. We were 3-0 down in the first leg of the semi-final at Tranmere and lost 3-1. We had to turn it around at home and took it to penalties. Along the way, we beat Sunderland, Arsenal, and Tottenham. Ron had a relaxed approach – he’d let us have a couple of beers the night before to take the pressure off. When we won the final, we celebrated properly! It matched the spirit of that whole cup run.”
You faced a legendary Manchester United side in the final. What was Ron’s approach for the match?
“Ron had us training in secret for two weeks – no one knew what we were up to. He changed the formation to a 4-3-3, which was unusual at the time, and made a couple of tweaks. The plan was to score first, and we did. We defended well, Bosnich made some incredible saves, and we got a second. United pulled one back, but we won a penalty, Kanchelskis got sent off, and we sealed it. Ron even brought a comedian onto the coach and into the dressing room; he knew how to keep us calm.”
How did your move to Middlesbrough come about?
“I was in and out of the side at Villa, never really settled in one position. I had a good game against Manchester United on TV, which caught Bryan Robson’s eye. That summer, he rang me. As a massive United fan, I had huge respect for Robbo – one of the best to ever play for England. When he came calling, I couldn’t say no.”
What was Bryan Robson like as a manager?
“Absolutely brilliant. In his first two years, he was still a player-manager, and his standards were unreal. First out for training, the fittest, hardest tackler – he trained like he played. He never gave the ball away. If Robbo was on your team, you won. He had a winning mentality in everything, even head tennis.”
What was the dressing room like with all those foreign stars?
“That was the start of foreign players coming in big numbers. Some embraced the English game and culture; others stuck to their own routines. It was a mixed dressing room – different egos, different mentalities. At times, the egos got in the way. We had loads of talent, but there were clashes, and it affected results.”
Juninho remains a legend at the club. What was he like?
“A superstar, no question. But more importantly, a fantastic person. He was kind, friendly, and got involved in everything. He embraced the club, the culture, and even came round to my house with his family for dinner. He was world-class on the pitch and a class act off it.”
You lost the League Cup final with Boro. How did that compare to the win with Villa?
“It was really tough. I started the game and we played well – we went 1-0 up in extra time, but they equalised with the last kick. Then in the replay, we just ran out of ideas and energy. Leicester were the better side over the two games. It hurt a lot.”
You moved to Bolton during a time of upheaval. Was that difficult as a player?
“100%. We had Colin Todd, Phil Brown, then Sam Allardyce. Their styles were completely different. Todd wanted to build from the back, while Brown and Sam preferred getting it forward quickly. As players, we often weren’t sure what the plan was. The club only started progressing once Sam brought in the players he wanted.”
Graham Taylor played a big part in bringing you to Watford. How did that move come about?
“Graham was from Scunthorpe like me. I was in the same class as his niece at school, and I’d grown up reading his dad’s reports. Watford had just had two promotions and were trying to settle in the Premier League. It was probably a bit early for the club to be honest, but Graham brought in good players and stabilised things. He did a great job.”
You worked closely with Ray Lewington in difficult circumstances. What was he like?
“Yeah, Ray had it tough. The budget was slashed, and the TV money disappeared. But he got us really fit and organised. The squad stuck together and gave everything. We made it to the semi-finals and were unlucky not to reach the final. Ray got the best out of a lot of players.”
You went into coaching at Wimbledon, then Notts County. How was that transition?
“I was assistant to Neal Ardley who I’d known for 25 years. We were good mates, lived together when we started at Wimbledon, and made every decision together. At Notts County, it was the same – we shared everything. It really prepared me for becoming a manager in my own right.”
You eventually managed your hometown club, Scunthorpe United. Was that a dream opportunity albeit at the wrong time?
“Definitely. It was one of those roles you can’t turn down. Maybe it wasn’t the right time, but you don’t know unless you try. It was really tough, but I’m glad I did it. You learn from every experience.”
“My first season, the goal was to stay in the division, and I achieved that. In the second season, the budget was slashed – probably the lowest in the league. Again, the target was survival, and I felt on course to do that. Then I lost my job, and someone else came in. That’s football. I wished them well.”
Has that experience changed your outlook? Would you return as an assistant, or are you set on managing?
“I’d love another chance as a number one. I know my record isn’t amazing, but people who understand what was happening at Scunthorpe will see things differently. If I get another opportunity, it has to be the right club, with a chairman who believes in what I’m trying to do. I still believe in myself and want to prove what I can achieve.”
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