Blues hail old boy Cox

Leek Town have sent their congratulations to former Blues assistant manager Paul Cox after he led Mansfield to the Football Conference title on Saturday, writes Michael Cope.

Cox, pictured, who was famously handed the keys to an Aston Martin by generous Stags Chairman John Radford earlier this season after his success at Field Mill, steered the Conference Premier outfit into the Football League with a 1-0 victory over Wrexham. Mansfield also won promotion to League Two with three former Blues and Evo-Stik Northern Premier League players in their squad - Louis Briscoe, Colin Daniel and Richie Sutton.

Cox was assistant to John Ramshaw at the First Division South Blues during the 2002-03 season and was also registered as a player. However, in his first pre-season training session at Harrison Park he suffered a leg injury and never played a game for the club.

Leek Town Chairman Andrew Wain said: "We are absolutely delighted with what Paul has achieved in his managerial career. He arrived at Harrison Park as assistant manger to John Ramshaw before leaving to guide his local club Eastwood Town from the Northern Premier League to the Conference.

"He showed managerial potential here at Leek Town and did a magnificent job at Coronation Park when he took over from Brian Chambers achieving great success on a limited budget and that's not easy these days.

"Paul is well respected in football circles and has been dedicated to his job. He has earned his just rewards and we at Harrison Park congratulate him and wish him all the best in the NPower League Two next season."