Simon Peter Cox, goalkeeper, born Clapham, joined United as a youth player from Reading, having already made the Republic of Ireland number one shirt his own at under-19 level. United had enough faith in Cox's ability that they were prepared to loan out Ian McCaldon to Chester in order to give Cox his chance to understudy for Andy Woodman. However, when it happened that both Woody and McCaldon were both injured at the same time the club instead recalled veteran 'keeper Alan Judge rather than throw Cox in at the deep end. He was signed for another season at the end of 2002/03, and with McCaldon's release this could be his chance to shine. Cox was eventually given his league debut against league leaders Doncaster Rovers, in new manager Graham Rix's first game in charge, due to Woodman suffering a back injury. Cox kept a clean sheet and made several saves in a Man-of-the-Match performance. After leaving Oxford he joined the army.

Man of the Match

Doncaster (85%) 27/03/04