Jack Cox

John (Jack) Cox was born in Blackpool on 21st November 1876. He played for South Shore before joining Blackpool in the Second Division of the Football League in August 1897.

Cox scored 12 goals in 17 games in the 1897-98 season. His form was so impressive that he was transferred to Liverpool in the First Division in February 1898. Despite the loss of the club's top scorer, George Allan, Liverpool finished in second place in the First Division that season.

Liverpool won the First Division championship in 1900-01. The stars of the side included Jack Cox, Sam Raybould, John Walker, John Robertson, Alex Raisbeck, Rab Howell and William Dunlop.

According to Tony Matthews (Who's Who of Liverpool) "He (Cox) was fast and able to centre in splendid style." He did seem to have a major weakness. As the Athletic News pointed out: "Fast, but inclined to indulge in trickery against a weak opponent."

Cox won his first international cap for England against Ireland on 9th March 1901. England won 3-0. He also played against Scotland (2-2) in 1902.

Liverpool was relegated in the 1903-1904 season. However, the club won the Second Division championship in the 1904-1905 season. Cox played an important role in Liverpool winning the First Division title in the 1905-1906 season, when they beat runners-up, Preston North End, by four points.

Jack Cox rejoined Blackpool as player-manager in August 1909. While at Liverpool he scored 80 goals in 360 games. However, he was unable to get Blackpool promoted to the First Division and in May 1911 he retired from the game.

Jack Cox died in Blackpool in 1946.