DEAN COX scored at Wembley just over two years ago — now he plays non-league football for free.
The winger has gone from crowds of 45,000 to wowing 226 hardy souls at Burgess Hill Town in the Ryman Premier.
He was on target twice and set up the other three in a 5-1 FA Trophy win over Beaconsfield on Saturday.
How things have changed after a testing departure from Leyton Orient, where he played 250-plus games, scoring 59 goals — including one in the 2014 League One play-off final as they lost on penalties to Rotherham.
Cox, 29, was forced out of Orient this summer but his eventual move to League Two rivals Crawley Town missed the deadline.
He has now dropped down the divisions to keep fit until he is eligible for the Red Devils in January.
The highly-rated wideman told SunSport: “I had just come back from a serious knee ligament injury, and I started the season well.
“But, all of a sudden, I was told I could leave the club.
“I did not want to go, it is no secret I love the club but they did not see it that way and I realised I’d have to endure what other players last season had to do — sit frozen out on the sidelines.
“I knew myself that I could not handle that, I love the club too much and am too passionate. I just wanted to play football”.
An 11th-hour Northampton switch was not done in time, so Cox picked Crawley to fulfil a dream of playing for the “other Sussex club”, having begun his career with Brighton.
He added: “My injury coincided with some upheaval in my personal life and I wanted to be close to my family down in Sussex.
“I had lunch with boss Dermot Drummy and his philosophy is to pass the ball which suits me — and I’ve enjoyed training with the lads.
“But it’s not ideal to go in to training Monday to Friday then watch from the sidelines on a Saturday.”
Cox is first available for Crawley’s home clash with Yeovil on January 2 but FA rules state until then he can play below National League level.
And for a man used to leading the assists charts in the Football League, Cox has found playing in the seventh tier a refreshing experience — all of it without taking a penny.
He said: “I could have gone to Eastbourne or Whitehawk and got good money. But it wasn’t about that.
“I wanted to play somewhere where I would be appreciated and have a smile on my face.
“Burgess Hill gave me my first chance in the game — I went there on work experience at 16 and they showed me men’s football.
“I had the opportunity to give something back to a club that gave me a lot. I was willing to drop down just to do what I loved.
“Playing in front of 400 people is not like Wembley. But it brings back the enjoyment.
“I had a hard time at Orient and was depressed during my injury, so it made me reflect on how lucky I’ve been.
“I’m excited before every Burgess Hill game, you’re still kicking a ball around the same as at Wembley — and I still prepare exactly the same way.”
But underneath all the positivity is frustration – particularly as ex-Leeds centre-back Sol Bamba is playing for Cardiff, despite having been released hours before Cox.
Cox tweeted his annoyance, and asked Crawley’s CEO to look into it, while Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock said it was “bitterness”’
Cox said: “I may be jealous, but I am not bitter. I don’t want him not to play! I don’t wish that on any footballer.
“What’s the difference between me and Bamba, half an hour? I wish the rule was scrapped.”
“I can either mope around, or I be positive. I’m helping out a football club in my community at Burgess Hill and keeping fit for that magic day in January.”
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