Cox took over as Hoops chairman in 2003, a role he held for more than 20 years.
His passing has led to a raft of tributes for a man who was synonymous with the Hoops.
A minute’s silence was held before the Hoops’ trip to Altrincham this afternoon, the club’s final Vanarama National League game of the season.
According to the club website, Hoops owner Justin Merritt stated, “Brian was Mr. Oxford City.” He will be much missed by everybody who are connected to Oxford City, having devoted a large portion of his life to the team and Oxfordshire football.
“Brian would be on-site almost every day, and he would always have a smile or a pleasant word to share, whether it was while watching any form of football, working nonstop on stadium renovations and duties, or greeting guests in the boardroom.
He led the team through several challenging periods, but he always did it with integrity, honesty, and a deep sense of pride in the team’s past and future goals.
He had courageously battled sickness, and as a football team, we will deeply mourn his passing. We are praying for his family.
“Although a City supporter for almost six decades, I got to know Brian back in 2007, when after a hiatus I took up the reins again as the Oxford City club photographer,” longtime Hoops photographer Mike Allen told this publication.
“Brian was the essence of Oxford City; he went above and above to make both the club’s employees and supporters feel appreciated and welcomed.
“I will really miss talking to Brian during games when he would stand behind the goal and offer his distinct viewpoint on the action. We would also joke around a lot, frequently asking each other “did you get it” when City scored or there was a significant event.
“The incredible FA Cup matches we’ve had recently, both at home against Northampton Town and away against Colchester United, Tranmere Rovers, Notts County, and Shrewsbury Town, will always have a special place in my heart. Brian’s excitement and passion in the team was evident throughout.
Brian’s excitement was unfazed by the Covid epidemic, and his greatest moment came when City was promoted to the National League in the previous season. Brian’s leadership at the time the team reached its highest-ever place in the football pyramid was incredibly appropriate.
“Everyone here at Oxford City loved Brian, and he was a true gentleman,” said Hoops head coach Ross Jenkins.
“I’m very proud that Brian got to enjoy and celebrate last season’s promotion as he’s played a massive part in this club’s progression over the years on and off the pitch, long before I joined the club. Every great club has a great man behind the scenes, and Brian was certainly that man. Brian is, and will forever be, a club legend in my eyes. He will be greatly missed by everyone at Oxford City.” “What he’s done for the club over the years has been nothing short of remarkable. I had the great pleasure of being around Brian on a daily basis, sharing stories, talking about football, and watching him get stuck into jobs around the ground at his age was truly inspirational.”
