Neil Cox: Scunthorpe United appoint Notts County assistant as new manager

Neil Cox started his playing career at Scunthorpe

League Two club Scunthorpe United have appointed Notts County assistant boss Neil Cox as their new manager.

The former Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Watford defender, 48, has succeeded Russ Wilcox, who was made caretaker boss when Paul Hurst was sacked in January after eight months in charge.

This is Cox's first job in sole charge, having been assistant at AFC Wimbledon and Notts County to Neal Ardley.

Scunthorpe-born Cox started his playing career with his home-town club.

"It's been a long time since I left," he said. "And I'm obviously over the moon to be back.

"It's the easiest decision I've ever made.

"I left 29 years ago and I really didn't want to go but I had no other choice at the time.

"I can't wait to get started and I'm raring to go. I want to get the town together and get everyone on board."