From day one in his professional career, Dean Cox has been attracting attention. Whether it is scoring goals or creating them, feisty disagreements with opponents and occasionally with colleagues, there is rarely a dull moment with Albion’s miniature playmaker.

Cox is likely to be a pivotal figure once more as he embarks on his third full season at Crewe tomorrow with his third different Albion manager. If the last two opening days are anything to go by then Cox could soon be in the headlines again.

At Rotherham two summers ago, on his full debut under Mark McGhee, Cox both set up Albion’s goal and was sent-off before half-time for two yellow card offences. The first, diving in amongst the fans to celebrate Alex Revell’s winner, was an early example of Cox’s burning passion for the game.

He plays on the edge. Take that away and you risk losing the air of unpredictability which makes him such a threat to rivals.

Cox struck early on the opening day at Crewe last season before Dean Wilkins’ Seagulls eventually succumbed. Crewe will, no doubt, be keeping a close eye on him tomorrow.

Manager Steve Holland said: “I’ve always liked Dean Cox. He is a jinking winger who can produce something out of the ordinary.”

Cox is, indeed, capable of the extraordinary and he is eager to play a leading part as Albion try to make amends for their defeat at the Alexandra Stadium 12 months ago. “We should have won,” Cox said. “We had quite a few chances, so we will be looking to put that right. “To be a decent wide player, you need to be involved, setting up goals and chipping in yourself. That is my job.”

Cox’s role is clearly defined now that Micky Adams is in charge.

“From day one he has said he just wants crosses in the box. It has been drilled into the midfield players to switch the play a bit more, rather than the diamond that we played under Dean Wilkins.

“It’s 4-4-2, get the ball out wide and into the box and look for central midfielders to break forward more as well. It’s a fresh start, a clean slate, and everyone has got to prove to him that they should be playing.”

Cox has done pretty well on that score in each of the last two seasons, appearing in 85 League games out of 92 and chipping in with a dozen goals. He scored seven in total last season after ten in all competitions in his debut campaign.

“Any midfielder would be happy with double figures, so that would be nice, but I am not really setting any targets,” he said.

Cox, not 21 until next Tuesday, is rarely so reticent. He has great confidence in his own ability but was he nervous when Adams was appointed in place of Wilkins, who had guided him through the ranks? “Not really,” he said. “Every professional wants to play and I’m no different. Every chance in pre-season I tried to take to prove my worth. “The squad is stronger than last year. We’ve got more ammunition and with Kevin McLeod coming in from Colchester that allows me to balance things up on my right foot. “It all bodes well with people like Adams Virgo, Colin Hawkins and David Livermore as well, all proven Championship players.”

Dead ball expert Darren Currie’s decision to reject a return to Withdean in favour of a three-year contract at Chesterfield leaves the door open for Cox to deliver not just crosses but set pieces too. Typically, it is not a responsibility he is about to shirk.

“There was one in the first half against Luton (last Saturday) which Kevin took and it went straight out for a goalkick!,” he said.

“I had a shout for the second one and scored, so I think I’ll be taking the free-kicks around the box. Given the chance to have a shot I will. I feel I have got the ability to bend th

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