Oxford City has made headlines by appointing a familiar face from the popular TV series Ted Lasso as their new manager. Sam Cox, a former Tottenham Hotspur youth player who shared the pitch with Harry Kane, has taken the reins at the National League North club. This move is far from a publicity stunt; Cox brings a wealth of experience and a solid track record to his new role.
Cox, who recently kept Wealdstone in the fifth tier of English football as their interim manager, is no stranger to the game. At 33, he has already amassed a diverse career, both on the field and on the sidelines. His playing days saw him feature for several non-league teams, including Wealdstone and Hampton & Richmond Borough. Additionally, Cox has represented the Guyana national team, adding an international dimension to his footballing resume.
Upon his appointment, Cox expressed his excitement and optimism about his new role. “I’m delighted to get the deal over the line,” he said. “My first impressions of this football club are tremendous. There are some really good people around the place, and after years of playing against Oxford, I know how well run the club is. I’m really looking forward to getting going, starting the season, and trying to take this football club to where it deserves and needs to be.”
Cox’s connection to the world of Ted Lasso adds an intriguing layer to his story. He appeared in the hit show as Armando, a fictional player for West Ham United. This role, while fictional, has given him a unique perspective on the sport, blending entertainment with real-life football experiences.
His coaching credentials are equally impressive. Cox holds a UEFA A coaching license and has spent time coaching at the Spurs academy, where he began his playing career. His journey from player to coach has been marked by a commitment to developing young talent and a deep understanding of the game.
Cox’s appointment at Oxford City comes at a crucial time for the club. Following their relegation last season, the team is eager to bounce back and return to the National League. Cox’s task will be to guide them through this challenging period and help them achieve their goals.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Cox revealed that part of his interview process took place while he was on international duty with Guyana. “I was actually in Barbados at the time. The Wi-Fi wasn’t the best in the hotel, but we got the interview done,” he said. “I had the first interview, obviously getting to meet Justin [Merritt, Oxford City owner] and some of the guys on that Zoom call. I got invited back for a second interview the week after, had to deliver a presentation, my methodology and philosophy of where I’d like to take the club and push forward. And yeah, came to a decision a couple of days afterwards and gave me the news. Just absolutely buzzing to get going now, it’s a great football club, really excited to push forward.”
Cox’s journey to this point has been marked by resilience and adaptability. From his early days at Tottenham Hotspur, where he played alongside future stars like Harry Kane, to his various stints in non-league football, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to overcome challenges and make a positive impact.
His international experience with Guyana has also shaped his approach to the game. As captain of the national team, Cox led Guyana to their first-ever qualification for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019. This achievement highlighted his leadership qualities and his ability to inspire and motivate his teammates.
Now, as he takes on the role of manager at Oxford City, Cox is ready to bring his wealth of experience and knowledge to the club. His appointment has generated excitement among fans and players alike, and there is a sense of optimism about what the future holds.
Cox’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of seizing opportunities. From his early days in the Tottenham academy to his role in Ted Lasso and his international exploits with Guyana, he has consistently shown that he is willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to succeed.
As Oxford City prepares for the new season, all eyes will be on Cox and his efforts to lead the team back to the National League. With his unique blend of experience, passion, and determination, there is every reason to believe that he can achieve great things with the club.
In the world of football, where success is often measured by results on the pitch, Cox’s journey serves as a reminder that the path to greatness is rarely straightforward. It is a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges and triumphs, but for those who are willing to put in the effort, the rewards can be truly remarkable.
