Accrington Stanley blog: Saturday a fitting tribute to true fan Coxy (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Accrington Stanley blog: Saturday a fitting tribute to true fan Coxy

4:50pm Tuesday 7th September 2010 in

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I MUST start this week’s column by sharing my condolences with all the family and friends of Antony Cox (Coxy).

He was a true fan who had time for everyone and always wore a smile along with his beloved Stanley shirt.

It seems somehow wrong to discuss football after such a tragic passing of one of our own.

His passing has focused my mind on what really matters.

The bigger picture at Stanley is almost entirely made up of the fact that we are one big footballing family. To see and hear the Ultras sing for Coxy after the minute’s silence brought a lump to my throat.

We have a community of supporters who come together for much more than 90 minutes, each passing in the street this week has been punctuated with tales of Coxy and the epic away days of the past.

Speaking of the past, how wonderful it was to see Rory Prendergast on Saturday. He had made the trip over to pay his respects at this sad time.

Coxy was always badgering John Coleman to bring Rory back to the Crown Ground and he kept in touch with the former Stanley winger on a regular basis.

When I spoke to Rory he reminded me of happier days and his affection for Coxy was greatly appreciated by all.

The game itself was almost an afterthought with a draw the fairest of results.

Stanley, however, remain unbeaten and look lively when we choose the fast passing option over the long ball.

We will have to be at our best on Saturday as we travel to high-flying Torquay, who will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season.

I am sure Stanley fans will turn out in their numbers for Coxy’s funeral on Friday at Burnley Road Crematorium to celebrate a life full of Stanley passion.