FORMER Burnley defender Ian Cox has been appointed as the new head coach of Kent club Ramsgate.

The 44-year-old, who played for the Clarets between 2000 and 2003, has linked up with the Ryman League Division One South side for pre-season.

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Cox will work under managers Jim and Danny Ward, having played for Maidstone United and Whitstable Town since leaving the professional game.

He also represented Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Gillingham during his pro career, and appeared at the 2006 World Cup for Trinidad and Tobago.

Jim Ward said: “He’s working down this way, I know him and he’s pleased to be on board.

“He brings a lot to the party, he’s played for Palace, Gillingham.

“He played in the World Cup, didn’t he?

“He’s got experience, he’s a good lad to have around the place, another good signing.”

Cox joined Maidstone immediately after being released by Gillingham but by 2009 his work as a prison officer meant he could no longer commit himself to the club on a regular basis.

Four years later he came out of retirement to play for Whitstable, who were then managed by his former Gillingham team-mate Nicky Southall.

Ramsgate narrowly avoided relegation from Isthmian League Division One South last season.