Crewe captain Neil Cox has announced he will retire at the end of the season after an 18-year playing career.
Crewe captain to hang up boots in the summer
Crewe captain Neil Cox has announced he will retire at the end of the season after an 18-year playing career.
Cox's two-year deal with Crewe is due to expire in the summer and after discussions with coach Steve Holland, the former Aston Villa, Bolton and Middlesbrough defender has opted to end his playing days in the summer.
The 36-year-old, who joined Crewe in 2006 after being released by Cardiff, admits he has been considering the decision for some time, but he insists he is focused on helping 20th-placed Crewe avoid League One relegation before hanging up his boots.
"It is something I have been thinking about for a while," Cox - who began his career at Scunthorpe in 1990 - told Crewe's
official website.
"After talking things over with my family and one or two others, I've known for a while that I would retire from playing at the end of the season.
Sacrifice
"I've kept the decision relatively to myself and I discussed things with Steve Holland and all I can do now is concentrate on the last three games and try and help Crewe stay in the division.
"I've just felt it is time for me to stop playing and go in a different direction. I've had a great career but as a professional footballer you have to make sacrifices when it comes to your family life."
However, Cox - who is expected to lead Crewe out against Cheltenham at Gresty Road on Saturday - has indicated he may look to move into management in the future.
"I just want to spend a bit more time with my wife and my two daughters and see what might materialise in the future," Cox added.
"I'm sure I will return to the game in some capacity in the future, but at the moment I want to concentrate on the remainder of this season."
