Jack Cox (footballer)

John Thomas "Jack" Cox (21 December 1877 – 11 November 1955) was an English international footballer who played for Liverpool in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in between spells at Blackpool. He helped Liverpool to two Football League Championships.

Career

Born in Liverpool, Merseyside, Cox played for South Shore Standard, South Shore F.C., and Blackpool before being signed by Liverpool managers John McKenna and William Barclay in February 1898 for the then-large sum of £150, enabling the Lancashire club to announce a loss of "only" £441 for the season, as opposed to over £1,000 for the previous campaign.

The winger made his debut on 12 March 1898, in a First Division match against Notts County at Anfield in a 2–0 win, which also saw his debut goal for the club. Cox became a regular starter for the Reds on both the left and right flanks, helping them secure their first two championships, in 1901 and 1906.

Although the one who predominantly lined up goals for his teammates to take, Cox, himself, had an eye for the mark and scored 81 goals from his 361 starts, an average of one goal every 4.5 games. It was this kind of form that caught the eye of the FA, who selected Cox for the British Home Championship match against Ireland at The Dell, Southampton on 9 March 1901. This match saw England win 3–0, after which he represented England on two further occasions. Cox left Liverpool in 1909, returning to Blackpool, effectively as player-manager.

Personal life

Cox's younger brother, Bill, was also a footballer and died of wounds suffered while serving during the First World War.

Career details

As a player:

• Liverpool (1898–1909) – 361 appearances, 81 goals – Football League Championship winner's medal (1901, 1906)
• England (1901–1903) – 3 appearances