Two months ago, Edmonton manager Colin Miller, who replaced Harry Sinkgraven in the offseason, said that "it was touch and go from last year whether the club would’ve kept him," referring to striker Michael Cox. "It was a no-brainer for me to keep him, because he’s only 21, and he’s got some magnificent tools to work with. He’s one we’ve got high hopes for." Today, the club announced that they had failed to agree a new contract with the Calgarian. In nine days times, on November 3rd, Cox will be eligible to make a Bosnan free transfer.
“I think his development has been fabulous,” admitted Miller. “He has an element of, dare I say, island time to his game that he has to get out of. By that I mean there’s a wee bit of casualness in how he goes about it and then all of a sudden he bursts into life. We need that burst for 90 minutes.”
Michael Cox at BC Place on 1 May 2013.
“If he plays to his maximum, I haven’t seen a centre back who can handle him, but he needs to be on what we call the front foot, which means he has to be ready to really be playing every game and every training session.”
“Michael Cox has played hard for FC Edmonton over the past three years, and he has gathered his share of followers here in Edmonton,” added Rod Proudfoot. “He is a fine young man and we sincerely wish him the best of luck in following his dream.”
An inaugural member of the club, Cox signed his first professional contract in 2010, and made his professional debut in 2011. Since then, he has played 55 times for Edmonton, scoring 10 goals, 3 assists, and 8 yellows cards in 3,147 minutes on the pitch.
With a smile, Cox admitted that Miller was tough on him, “He knows what I can and can’t do; so he’s always trying to bring out the best in me and staying on top of me."
“You just have to keep working," he added as he prepares for his next challenge. "My progression from last year has definitely gone a long way, and I’ve definitely gotten to show myself a lot more having been on the field a lot more. I think it’s still improving and I have a long way to go.”
“I want to thank the owner, Tom Fath, for giving me an opportunity, the coaching staff that has helped me develop over the years and the great support from the fans,” Cox said. “I wish FC Edmonton all the best in the future.”