WATFORD have taken Neil Cox off the transfer list. The move, discussed last week, was formally announced on Tuesday, October 30, when the defender also captained the side for the second time this season.

Explained the Watford boss: "Coxy is one of the senior players although he is only 30. He has been at the club quite a long time and Filippo is the captain and Allan Nielsen is the vice captain so I would say it is between Marcus and Coxy for the third place

"Coxy has enough experience to handle it. To be captain is something to be proud of but it is also something that gives you more responsibility. You have to have broad shoulders to take that, especially when the team is not playing particularly well, and he has done that."

Explaining the change of heart with regards to Cox, Vialli said: "I put him on the list when I came in because I thought he was not the sort of player I needed. To be fair to Coxy, he has done everything possible to change my mind and I don't think I am particularly narrow-minded as a manager. I am quite open-minded and I can admit when I get things wrong.

"I appreciate very much when the player does so much to change my mind. I am not stubborn. He did not come with us to Italy but stayed behind and played very, very well, played with enthusiasm in the reserve team. Ray Lewington gave good reports on his attitude and how he helped the younger players.

"I had to use him in the first team and he took the chance and so far, I have got to say, he has been one of the best players in the side. Ironically, he did not play particularly well against Nottingham Forest, the day after we discussed the possibility of his coming off the list.

"I don't think the two things were connected. He has been playing well."

November 2, 2001 9:25

Oliver Phillips