"Elated" Cox overjoyed to get the Stones over the National League line

Interim manager Sam Cox says he has "built a special bond" with the club after steering them to National League safety.

Cox oversaw three wins in five games including a final-day 3-2 win at Oldham Athletic, to secure a 16th place finish and a fifth season in the fifth tier of English football."

"I'm absolutely elated," said Cox. "It's been a long season for these boys with two changes of manager. That's never easy but they shown great character especially in the last five games. Everyone counted us out, especially after that loss at Boreham Wood. But the boys have been outstanding and I'm so proud of each and every one of them. Everyone has been giving positive vibes and given everything to ensure we have National League status. This club is now where it should be and deserves to be."

Cox used his man-management skills and tactical nous at half-time at Boundary Park on Saturday when the Stones found themselves 1-0 down.

"That was the best football we've played in possession that I've seen since I come back to the club," he said. "We needed to stay calm, stick to the structure and keep being brave on the ball. They carried on playing and trusted the process. We kept pounding the rock and eventually the rock gave way. They are good players and good people."

Cox was asked to take interim charge after a bold management change following the defeat at Boreham Wood.

"I've throughly enjoyed this period," said Cox. "Everyone knows how much this club means to me. If [chairman] Rory [Fitzgerald] ask me to to the job of course I'd say yes. But that's the decision of Rory and the board. I'm going to enjoy this moment, enjoy this with the boys and my family and friends. We'll have a conversation and what will be will be. I've built a special bond with this club."

Pictures by Jon Taffel