Cox: Poppies players will decide their own fate

The Poppies boss has, so far, worked with the squad he inherited after becoming the permanent successor to Nicky Eaden.

And he has revived their fortunes with two wins and a stunning fightback to claim a 4-4 draw against Blyth Spartans at Latimer Park on Saturday.

It’s a run of results that have lifted the club out of the Vanarama National League North relegation zone.

Speculation has been rife about what Cox may look to do when it comes to recruitment of new players and, potentially, releasing some of the current crop.

However, the Poppies boss insists the players’ futures are very much in their own hands.

“I have been in the game a long time now, as a manager, and I am not one to do things overnight,” Cox said.

“We have got some good players, some of them just needed rebooting.

“It’s a state of mind. I have worked with players mentally and these boys are aware now of what I want and what will take this club forward.

“There will be a certain number who buy into it and there will be some who will want to have a few days off now and again. But this is Kettering Town Football Club, we can’t afford to have days off.

“I picked the club up when it was bottom of the league and we have got an awful lot to do before I think we have achieved something.

“So, the simple answer is that the players I have got will ultimately decide their own fate.

“You can’t work for a more simplistic person than me. I told the players what I want, they are structured and they are organised, they know their roles and responsibilities before the game and I shouldn’t have to tell them to work hard.

“The players will ultimately pick who stays here and who is replaced.

“I hope I can get to the end of the season having made the minimum amount of changes and we will have achieved our first goal and surprised a few people along the way.”

The Poppies are due to be back in action tomorrow (Tuesday) night with a clash at Wellingborough Town in the quarter-finals of the NFA Hillier Senior Cup.

Cox looks set to make a number of changes for the tie as he also keeps one eye on the Buildbase FA Trophy third qualifying round tie at Peterborough Sports on Saturday.

“We have picked up a few injuries,” he added.

“My whole focus is on the league and the FA Trophy and I have got to be realistic.

“We will look at it and see who is fit but we will put out the strongest side possible and try to win another match.”