Crawley Town winger pleased to have chance to say goodbye this afternoon and full of praise for Orient fans after raising money for Regeneration Fund

East London Advertiser: Dean Cox makes a tackle for Leyton Orient against Mansfield Town, which turned out to be his last appearance for the O's (pic: Simon O'Connor).Dean Cox makes a tackle for Leyton Orient against Mansfield Town, which turned out to be his last appearance for the O's (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Crawley Town winger Dean Cox conceded it will be very weird to line up against Leyton Orient today, but is looking forward to finally getting the opportunity to say goodbye to the O’s supporters.

The 29-year-old departed Brisbane Road by mutual consent in shock circumstances on September 1 with the club only putting out a 34-word statement to acknowledge his exit.

After initially joining Orient in the summer of 2010, Cox went on to endeavour himself to the O’s supporters and soon became a fans favourite before leaving last year.

He said: “Today will be nice and I didn’t really get the opportunity to say goodbye and I did want to. I wasn’t allowed to say what I wanted to say when I left.

“I had to put out a short statement which I wasn’t to pleased about, but that was the way it was. It will be a very weird situation (playing against Orient).

“In that way I am not really looking forward to it if you know what I mean. It will be strange, but at the end of the game I will go over and thank the fans for all they did for me during my time at the club.”

Cox will earn a heroes reception at Broadfield Stadium today from the O’s supporters and rightly so given his loyalty to the east Londoners.

The winger admitted he hasn’t been surprised to see the Orient fans pull together during a difficult time for everyone associated with the club.

Leyton Orient Fans’ Trust have raised over £114,000 to ensure the supporters trust can be prepared for every scenario in the future.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from them because when I was there they were different class,” said Cox. “To raise over £114,000 is incredible and they are still going to keep going and fair play to them all.

“Leyton Orient is a special football club and that is down to the special fans and they are really trying to look after their team. If they keep going and see how much they can get then it can all help, so it is first class from them.”

Although Cox will always hold Orient close to his heart, he is part of the Crawley set-up now and enjoying his football in West Sussex.

The winger had to ply his trade in the Ryman Premier briefly after exiting O’s, as he was unable to play for another Football League club until January.

But having quickly agreed a deal with the Red Devils after leaving Orient, the wide-man is all smiles again following his loan stint at Burgess Hill Town.

Cox added: “You know what I am like, I am pulling my hair out if I am not playing, so I came to Crawley and got fit and I have got in the team and I am playing regularly.

“I am enjoying my football and that was key for me. I just want to play and help the team in any way I can and that is what I have been able to do.”

The ex-Orient winger has already chalked up three assists since joining Crawley and been involved in many more goals during his 14 appearances.

But Cox is yet to find the net for his new club and the script appears perfect for him to open his account this afternoon.

If that was to be the case, however, then the O’s legend wouldn’t celebrate against his former club and would do the same as Mathieu Baudry last weekend.

“No if I scored there would be nothing,” said Cox. “There is no question about it. I won’t be celebrating. There is not a chance of that.”

Dean Cox was speaking on behalf of the John Hartson Foundation, which aims to increase awareness of testicular cancer and raise funds to support those whose lives are affected by cancer. If you would like to donate you can do so through their website https://www.johnhartsonfoundation.co.uk/.