Cox was born in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire. As a player, he was a defender who could play as right-back or as a central defender. He began his career at his hometown club Notts County, making his first-team debut against Manchester City on 25 April 1992, coming on as a substitute for Kevin Bartlett. Cox spent five years at Notts County, playing just over 40 matches, and also had a short loan spell with Hull City. At the end of the 1994–95 season, Cox was released by Notts County, and he subsequently dropped down into non-league football, where he most notably spent five seasons with Kettering Town, and also had spells at Halifax Town and Hucknall Town.
Coaching and management career
Eastwood Town
In 2003, Cox began his coaching career when he became assistant manager at Eastwood Town of the Northern Premier League. In October 2006, Cox became manager of the club, and steered the club away from the Northern Premier League Division One relegation zone in his first season. The next season, he guided the Badgers to the first of two consecutive promotions, and in 2008–09 he also guided the club to the third round proper of the FA Cupfor the first time in the club's history, where they lost to his former team Kettering. In 2009–10, Cox led Eastwood to an 11th-place finish in their debut season in the Conference North, and in 2010–11, sparked by a 19-match unbeaten run, Eastwood finished in 4th place. However, the club was not allowed to compete in the promotion play-offs because their Coronation Park ground did not have the proper grade to be eligible for promotion to the Conference Premier. On 5 May 2011, Cox resigned as manager of Eastwood Town.
Mansfield Town
On 19 May 2011, Cox was appointed as the manager of Mansfield Town in the Conference Premier on a one-year contract. Cox led Mansfield to their highest Conference finish in his first season, finishing third, but eventually losing in the play offs to York City. The next season he guided Mansfield to promotion to the Football League. Mansfield won 20 of the last 24 games to be crowned champions,this included a club record of 12 consecutive wins. This season Mansfield also reached the 3rd round proper of The FA Cup, losing eventually to a controversial Luis Suarez goal which gave Liverpool a 2–1 win. On 12 April 2012, Cox confirmed a new contract with Mansfield chairman John Radford to keep him at the club for another two seasons. After Mansfield beat Barrow 8–1 in February 2013, thus improving on their 7–0 win in the reverse fixture, the club's chairman gave Cox his Aston Martin car as a reward. On 21 November 2014, Cox left Mansfield by mutual consent. Cox left Mansfield the second highest win ratio in the club's history. A win ratio of 44.57%, a ratio only bettered by Dave Smith.
Torquay United
On 17 June 2015, Cox was appointed as the new manager of National League club Torquay United. He resigned after only three months in charge, later revealing that the club had been unable to pay him.
Barrow
On 23 November 2015, Cox was appointed as the manager of National League club Barrow. Cox guided Barrow away from the Conference National relegation zone finishing a respectable 11th place in his first season in charge. The next season Barrow just missed out on the play offs after finishing 7th, whilst also reaching the 3rd round proper of The FA Cup. He resigned as Barrow manager on 24 August 2017, ending a 22-month spell at the club.
Guiseley
Eleven days after leaving Barrow, Cox was appointed manager of fellow National League club Guiseley. He was sacked by the club in February 2018, managing only 4 wins in 29 games for the Yorkshire side.
Kettering Town
On 24 October 2019 Cox was appointed as the manager of National League North club Kettering Town, where he had previously made 125 appearances during his senior career between 1997 and 2001.
