8:00am Friday 10th July 2009
By Anthony Marshall
IT was the moment no Town fan wanted to see - their star striker and prized asset draped in another club’s shirt.
From the red of Swindon to West Brom’s navy and white stripes, Cox was paraded at the Baggies’ Walsall training ground yesterday morning following his £1.9million switch.
The deal is good business for the County Ground bank balance as well as propelling an undoubtedly talented player from the lower reaches of League One to a Championship title shot.
And while for some 22-year-olds the step up may be a daunting prospect, nothing seems to phase the player with a very mature head on his young shoulders.
The Midlands media were amazed at the conviction with which Cox spoke about his plans to become a permanent fixture in Roberto Di Matteo’s side.
But for those who have seen him in close quarters over the past two seasons, the striker’s absolute belief in his own ability is one reason why he is surely destined for a career at the top.
“I’m a very confident person - he’ll tell you that,” Cox told the assembled press, nodding his head in my direction.
“When I step out on the pitch I ooze confidence and have got a bit a swagger about me. I have arrogance to get on the ball, make us play and score some goals.
“I want to prove myself at this level and I think I can do that. I was talking to someone the other day who said every goal you score in the Championship is half a one for each league you go up.
“If that’s the way it is, that’s fine by me - I’ll get 15 goals this year.
“I’m not under pressure from anybody apart from myself - I put pressure on me to succeed and that’s the only pressure I feel.”
While the County Ground faithful will get the chance to give Cox a proper send-off when West Brom come to town later this month, they will also be hoping he is overshadowed by their latest striking sensation.
Who that is, only manager Danny Wilson and chairman Andrew Fitton know, as the pair continue to scour the leagues for frontmen, aided by the extra cash from this deal.
And if Cox’s replacement is half as successful as his predecessor, they will have done a great job.
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