Western Sydney Wanderers interim coach Jean Paul de-Marigny has confirmed new signing Simon Cox will make his Hyundai A-League debut against Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.
Cox, 32, joined the Red and Black on January 16 after a 15-years in England, during which he played for West Bromwich Albion (2009-2012) in the Premier League.
The Irish international replaces former German striker Alex Meier in the goals department and scored 42 goals in 133 matches for his previous club, League One outfit Southend United.
“He is in decent shape,” said de Marigny.
“Andy (Davies) our strength and conditioning coach has worked really well with him in the last couple of weeks.
“Simon will have an impact on the game.”
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While de Marigny did not say whether Cox will be deployed as a sole striker of be accompanied by the likes of Kwame Yeboah and Mitch Duke, the Wanderers interim boss admitted he had made a few changes to the team’s tactical set up during the fortnight off the team have had during a bye round which followed Markus Babbel’s sacking as head coach.
“We have tinkered with a few things tactically, but I can’t say what that is,” said de Marigny.
“It will come out on Sunday.
“It did come at a good time because it gave us a chance to reset and load up the players physically and gave us the chance to work tactically with them.
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“The two weeks were all about our mindset. We worked a lot on that.
“We tweaked a couple of things tactically, nothing too drastic, and the boys have responded really well. They are in a good space and they have enjoyed the couple of weeks.
“Being positive is important as is doing everything together. Communication is also important.”
The Wanderers take on the Mariners at 4.00pm AEDT on Sunday having won just one of their previous 11 fixtures.
They do boast a healthy record against the Gosford-based club, however, losing just three of their previous three.
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