COX IS TOPS FOR HOOPS!

Rookie Sam relishing his City challenge

- Matt Badcock

SAM COX was on international duty in Barbados when he found out he'd landed the Oxford City job - now he wants to make the sun shine over the Hoops again.

The former Barnet, Boreham Wood and Hampton & Richmond midfielder has been named as successor to Ross Jenkins, who departed this summer for Boreham Wood.

City were relegated last season after just one season in Non-League's top flight.

Placed in National League North, Cox isn't underestimating the challenge - but he's excited to take his first permanent job after his caretaker spell at Wealdstone last season ended in a successful great escape from relegation.

"Obviously knowing the history of Oxford City, having played against them for years and knowing the job Ross has done, I know it's a club that is, one, forward thinking and, two, fits the way I see football," Cox told The NLP.

"It's brilliant to be recognised not only for the work I've done but also how I came across in the interview process with my presentations and my ideas for the club.

"Justin (Merritt, director of football) has got a real idea and vision for how to take the club forward with the other people at the club.