How Tony Mowbray scuppered Celtic’s move for Ireland International Simon Cox | OneFootball

Simon Cox was one of English football’s breakthrough talents in 2009 after an incredible scoring spell with Swindon Town. Having decided to join the club for just £150k two years earlier, Cox’s decision was vindicated after bagging 47 goals in two seasons. This put him on the map and a number of clubs were circling – including Celtic.

Celtic, who had recently lost Gordon Strachan as manager, were in need of a massive overhaul after dropping points in the last two games of the season to allow Rangers to win the league title and stop 4IAR for Strachan. The transfer window prior to that will live in infamy with Fletcher/McCarthy not being signed but Willo Flood being allowed to pitch up at Lennoxtown.

However, one name that was heavily mentioned at the time was Cox. Unfortunately for him and potentially Celtic, he wasn’t favoured by Tony Mowbray, the man that was set to be appointed Celtic boss. Speaking to Football CFB podcast, Cox revealed how the move broke down and that he would have loved the move to Paradise.

“I had three clubs that were there all the way through, who were chasing for me to sign. It was West Brom, Newcastle and Celtic.

“Tony Mowbray was the manager at West Brom then left to go to Celtic. Newcastle had just been relegated and didn’t have a manager. West Brom didn’t have a manager.

“Tony Mowbray was the only person out of all his coaching staff, scouts and director of football at West Brom who didn’t want to take me to West Brom. As soon as he went to Celtic that one died.”

Mowbray’s time at the club is probably best forgotten. Despite being a classy guy, Mowbray struggled to implement a style of play that would really hurt teams. He left after the shambolic defeat against St Mirren in Paisley.

Cox, meanwhile, never hit the heights and the 34-year-old plays his football in Australia after his gradually plateaued and declined.