Western Sydney Wanderers have moved on from ex-marquee striker Alex Meier and announced the signing of former Premier League frontman Simon Cox.
Former Bundesliga hitman, Meier, has scored only one goal in 12 matches in Red and Black and the 36-year-old was deemed not fit enough to make the match-day squad in last week’s 2-0 loss against Wellington Phoenix.
The Hyundai A-League strugglers made the decision to cut ties with the German forward, who was signed on a marquee deal four months ago, and moved quickly to fill the open visa spot by bringing in English-born, Republic of Ireland international Cox.
The 32-year-old has scored two goals in 19 matches for English League One strugglers Southend United so far in 2019/20, and boasts a resume of more than 500 matches in all competitions in England.
Cox has hit double figures for the Shrimpers in the third-tier division in each of the past three seasons, following spells in the Championship at Reading, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest.
The 30-cap Republic of Ireland marksman played 37 Premier League matches for West Bromwich Albion between 2010 and 2012.
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Cox spoke to former teammates Adam Le Fondre, of Sydney FC, and fellow Wanderer Radi Majewski to get the low down on the Hyundai A-League and insists he is ready to embrace the challenge of playing Down Under.
“I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve never been to Australia so I’m looking forward to come over and score some goals, that’s what I’m there to do, and that’s what I’ve been doing most my career. I’m expecting a big challenge,” Cox told the club’s website.
“I spoke to Adam Le Fondre this morning and he said great things about the league and the Wanderers set-up. I spoke to Radi [Majewski] as well, who I played with at Nottingham Forest, and he said really good thing about club too so I am really looking forward to arriving and getting started.
“I’m expecting it to be tough, you’ve got to get acclimatised which can be tough but I am looking forward to the challenge.
“As someone who’s played at the top level I’m not taking anything for granted and I’m looking forward to every challenge that comes my way in the A-League.”
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