Albert Cox (footballer) explained

Albert Cox
Full Name:Albert Edward Harrison Cox
Height:5 ft 9 in[1]
Birth Date:24 June 1917
Birth Place:Treeton, Rotherham, England
Death Date:April 2003
Death Place:Rotherham
Position:Left-back
Youthclubs1:Woodhouse Mill United
Years1:1936–1952
Years2:1952–1953
Caps1:267
Caps2:53
Totalcaps:320
Goals1:5
Goals2:1
Totalgoals:6

Albert Edward Harrison Cox (24 June 1917 in Treeton, Rotherham – April 2003) was a footballer who played as a left-back for Sheffield United and Halifax Town.

Career

Cox joined Sheffield United from amateur side Woodhouse Mill United F.C., and quickly settled into the first team at Bramall Lane. He made his league debut against Blackpool at Bramall Lane on 20 February 1936, in a 1–0 win. In 1936, Sheffield United reached the FA Cup semi-finals, where they met fellow Second Division side Fulham. Regular left-back, Charlie Wilkinson was injured and unavailable to play in the semi-final, so the inexperienced Cox took his place. Cox remained "cool in defence" as Fulham were defeated 2–1.[2] Wilkinson recovered from his injury in time for the final and manager, Teddy Davison, "opted for (Wilkinson's) age and experience" over Cox.[2]

Cox was often described as a 'bungle of energy'[3] on the field of play. His partner at full-back in the late 1930s was Harry Hooper.

Although World War II interrupted his career, Cox played on for several seasons after hostilities had ended, and became one of the most consistent left-backs in the Football League.[4] In total he made 267 league appearances for the Blades with 5 goals.[5]

He was transferred to Halifax Town during the 1952 close season.

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Sheffield United. Likeliest side for promotion in Division II . Sunday Dispatch Football Guide . London . 23 August 1936 . vii . Newspapers.com.
  2. Web site: United mourn 1936 FA Cup star Albert Cox. The Star. 20 October 2012. 9 April 2003. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035900/http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/united_mourn_1936_fa_cup_star_albert_cox_1_238848. 4 March 2016. dead.
  3. Book: Clarebrough, Denis. Sheffield United F.C., The First 100 years. Sheffield United Football Club. 1989.
  4. A to Z Encyclopedia. Sheffield United matchday programme. 14 September 1985.
  5. http://since1888.co.uk Since 1988 Football League Database.