Simon Cox returned to the County Ground on Monday to watch Town’s 1-1 draw with Exeter. The striker, who hit 32 goals last season, left in the summer for West Bromwich Albion in deal worth up to £1.9 million and played an important role in his new employers clinching promotion to the Premier League. In an exclusive chat with chief sports writer Anthony Marshall, Cox talks about being a top-flight footballer, leaving Wiltshire and his surprise at Town’s high-flying season.

Anthony Marshall: How does it feel to call yourself a Premier League player?

Simon Cox: It will all sink in next year on the first game of the season, but I’m going to enjoy the time because it’s pretty new to me. I’m going to make sure I enjoy every single minute of it.

I’ve played a part in a very successful team, which is what I went to West Brom for. The club had great ambition to get back up into the Premier League, bought players to do so, and had quality players already there - and we’ve achieved our goal for the season.

AM: Are you happy with the part you played, because you had to bide your time a for an opportunity at the Hawthorns?

SC: Yeah, but when I got in the team I played 14 games in a row which was good, and scored a few goals which was also nice. Then I’ve played a bit part for the rest of it, so I’m pretty pleased with the way I’ve done this year, and hopefully there’s more to come next season.

I’ll go away, enjoy my summer and try to hit the ground running in pre-season when I come back and hopefully make an impression.

AM: While you were technically a Premier League player at Reading (Cox was at the Madejski as a youngster when they won promotion), this must feel much more like the real thing?

SC: Although I got a medal at Reading when they got promoted, I probably didn’t deserve it. It’s still in the trophy cabinet at home and I still look at it and feel proud, but with this one I’ve played a significant amount of games and contributed to the team so it means a lot more to me.

AM: And even though it was hard for you to leave Swindon in the summer, winning promotion with West Brom must justify your decision to do so?

SC: That’s exactly right. The two clubs who were chasing me and showing the most interest are sitting one and two in the Championship at the end of the season, which justifies my decision to leave.

Either one of the clubs I was going to was going to be sat at the top, so I’m very happy with the decision I made.

AM: You’ve seen Town play a few times this season now, are you surprised about their turnaround in fortunes.

SC: Yes and no really. Yes because I didn’t expect them to do as well as they have done. I expected them to do better than they did for the two years when I was here, but Danny (Wilson) is a good manager who has brought in good players and has a way of playing which suits the boys here.

I’ve watched a couple of games and have enjoyed seeing them. The lads should be very proud of what they have done this year, and with what went on last season it is an absolutely great achievement. Hopefully they can push on and try to sneak in that second place.

AM: When you change a squad that much in the summer, you wouldn’t expect to have a turnaround in fortunes this dramatic would you? Normally there is a settling in period.

SC: I would have expected them to get a few players in and then I thought midtable would be about best. But you see them going on a massive run of wins and they’ve just taken the league and snuck in under the radar.

There was all the talk about Leeds, Norwich and Charlton, but it’s been good for the league and I’ve certainly enjoyed seeing them up there.

AM: Do you think Swindon can get that second automatic promotion place?

SC: Without a doubt. Danny’s got them playing well and the two boys up front are scoring goals on a regular basis, so if they can keep that consistency going then there’s no reason why not.

Even if they don’t get it and have to settle for the play-offs then I still fancy them to win that and go up.

AM: And your mate Billy (Paynter) has had a brilliant season with 25 goals so far.....

SC: Yeah I keep texting him telling him to stay away from my record! He’s done really well and Charlie (Austin) has done fantastically too. I saw the boys on their Christmas do and had a couple of drinks with them, and it’s a good bunch of lads. They have a real good spirit and unity and deserve everything they get this year.