Ilkeston Sign Young Star From Long Eaton United

By James Gordon  

Gary  Hayward has made a late addition to his squad ahead of the opening day of the season with the signing of Luke Cox.The 21-year-old defender makes the move from Long Eaton United where, after just one season, he claimed the Young Player of the Season award. Born in Ilkeston, Cox was a product of the Sheffield Wednesday Academy, featuring for the Owls’ U18 and U21 setups. He made the move to Redditch ahead of the 2021/22 season before joining Northern Premier League side Chasetown in March of that season, making seven appearances. Cox becomes the third player to tie their future to the New Manor Ground after the signings of Scunthorpe duo Ross Barrows and Habib Makanjuola. He will go into contention for his hometown club as they open their 2023/24 account away at Marske United on Saturday.