Crawley Town's Dean Cox keen to say a proper goodbye to Orient fans

Crawley Town winger Dean Cox feels Saturday's League 2 encounter with former side Leyton Orient will finally give him a chance to bid the fans farewell.
Dean Cox in action for Crawley TownDean Cox in action for Crawley Town
Dean Cox in action for Crawley Town

Cox spent seven seasons at the London club before terminating his contract back in September.

During a seven-year stay, he made over 200 appearances, netting 56 times.

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It’s a time the winger looks back on fondly and is now relishing a chance to finally say goodbye.

STAT ATTACK: Dean Cox's scoring record at Brighton, Leyton Orient and Crawley TownSTAT ATTACK: Dean Cox's scoring record at Brighton, Leyton Orient and Crawley Town
STAT ATTACK: Dean Cox's scoring record at Brighton, Leyton Orient and Crawley Town

He said: “I wasn’t able to play in the game against them earlier this season, so this finally gives me a chance to say goodbye to the fans’ properly.

“For the 90 minutes it’ll be strictly business, but once it’s all done and the handshakes are over, I’ll have a chance to go over to the away fans.

“I had some great times with Orient and nearly got into the Championship with them. I don’t think too many are still with them from my time but it’ll still be nice to thank the fans’ for everything.”

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O’s have had a tough season and are currently rooted to the bottom. Off-the-field issues have left them facing a winding-up order, while on the pitch they have been using several youth team players in League 2 matches.

Dean Cox scoring a vital goal for Leyton OrientDean Cox scoring a vital goal for Leyton Orient
Dean Cox scoring a vital goal for Leyton Orient

With Orient currently seven points from safety, Cox wants to see them stay in the division but believes it’ll be a tough task for them to get away from danger.

He added: “Looking from the outside, it looks a bit of a shambles the way the club is being run.

“It’s never nice to see a club in the sort of mess they find themselves in, so for it to be one of my old teams makes it even harder.

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“Just looking at the team they put out the other night, a number of names from the youth team are now featuring for them. Those are players that I helped in training, it’s a great experience for those lads and good to see them given a chance, but it’s not nice for them to be in the situation they are at present.”

STAT ATTACK: Dean Cox's scoring record at Brighton, Leyton Orient and Crawley TownSTAT ATTACK: Dean Cox's scoring record at Brighton, Leyton Orient and Crawley Town
STAT ATTACK: Dean Cox's scoring record at Brighton, Leyton Orient and Crawley Town

Goals were a big part of Cox’s game during his time with Leyton Orient but since making his Crawley debut back in January the winger has yet to find the net.

He admits it is something he wants to add to his game, though, is not too bothered as long as the team are scoring goals.

Cox said: “I still haven’t scored since making the move here and it’s definitely something I want to add to my game.

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“I seem to be setting them up at the moment but hopefully I’ll get a chance in the coming weeks.

“We need goals as a team and we’ve been struggling for those of late. It doesn’t really bother me if I’m scoring or not, as long as the team are scoring and winning.”