Cox praises Slade effect (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Leyton Orient winger Dean Cox on his new contract and the departure of Stephen Dawson to Barnsley

8:50am Monday 6th February 2012 in Sport By Matt Bass

The final week of the January transfer window provided a mixed bag for Orient fans with the news of one player extending his stay and another checking out of Brisbane Road.

While the departure of Stephen Dawson to Barnsley was an undoubted low point, Dean Cox’s new contract put a smile on the face of everyone in E10.

The 24-year-old was an instant hit in his first year with the O’s, netting 12 goals while laying on 22 more for his team-mates.

Despite an injury setback which saw him sidelined for just over a month this season, the former Brighton man has once again proven his worth for Orient, finding the net seven times so far to make him joint top-scorer.

Cox admitted there were other clubs interested in his services, but highlighted the effect of manager Russell Slade in his decision to extend his Brisbane Road stay.

“We have got a good relationship,” explained Cox.

“He is a massive influence. He is more than just a manager to me. He took a shine to me at Brighton and we clicked.

“I enjoy the way he plays. The last couple of years have been the best of my career. I put that down to him giving me the chance and he lets me express myself. He is not really a restrictive manager.”

Dawson’s departure on Tuesday was a massive disappointment though with the skipper’s influence clear for all to see whenever he played.

The 26-year-old has struggled due to injury at times this season, but his input was illustrated when you consider the O’s have only won once in the league this campaign without him – that coming in the 2-0 victory at Preston.

The Irishman had been offered a new deal with the O’s but opted to make the move up to the Championship by joining the Tykes.

And Cox was full of praise for the former captain.

“It is a blow to lose Daws. That will be another massive miss. He was our captain and he led by example,” added the winger.

“Anyone that comes to watch will see he runs himself into the ground and he was a massive part of us.”