Ian Cox

Who is Ian Cox?

Ian Gary Cox is a former Trinidad and Tobago international footballer.

Cox joined Crystal Palace from non-League side Carshalton Athletic for a fee of £40,000 in 1994. Opportunities were limited and he eventually joined Bournemouth on a free transfer in 1996 having made just a handful of appearances for Crystal Palace.

He enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Bournemouth where he played alongside Rio Ferdinand, his no-nonsense playing style endeared himself to the fans in a playing spell that included over 170 league appearances. In the 2000–01 season, Cox joined Burnley for £500,000. He notched up over 100 appearances for the Championship side scoring five goals, before joining Gillingham on a free transfer, in the 2003–04 season.

Predominantly a central defender, Cox can also play in midfield. He was named in the Trinidad and Tobago squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and was on the bench against Sweden, England and Paraguay in Trinidad and Tobago's first ever games in a World Cup. Cox retired from international football immediately after Trinidad's elimination from the tournament.

On 28 March 2008, Cox was released by Gillingham and signed for Isthmian League Premier Division side and former rivals Maidstone United. Up until the turn of the year Cox was a permanent fixture in Maidstone's starting XI, playing a big part in what was one of the best defences in the league. However in January 2009, Cox's work as a prison officer meant he could no longer commit himself to the club. He did not appear for the Stones in over four months, however he did return in April 2009 to make three more appearances before retiring from football at the end of the season.