SIMON Cox is looking forward to a fresh challenge with Western Sydney Wanderers.

Cox left Southend United to team up with the Australian side last week.

But Sydney first showed interest in the striker in the summer.

“We had a conversation in the summer and I liked what was said,” said Cox.

“In all honestly I had never thought about going to Australia let alone going to work out there.

“I still had a year at Southend so I wasn’t going to leave but now I hadn’t been playing we came to a decision that I’m not going to be one who just sits there and picks up a pay packet.

“I’m not that type of person. I’d rather leave and play somewhere else.

“They came to the table again and I thought why not for life experience and a bit of a sunshine.”

However, Cox admitted it had been a difficult decision to make.

“It was a tough conversation to have at home,” said Cox.

“My missus will come back and forth as and when she can and it’s going to be tough.

“It will be a hard process but if I don’t do it when I’m playing then I never will.

“I’d like to go straight back into football when I finish playing so I’ll probably never have this kind of opportunity again.”

Cox flew out on Friday night and is keen to get started.

“Trying to fit my life into two suitcases was a tough ask in itself,” said the 32-year-old.

“But I’ll be going for 18 months and I’m excited.

“ It will be interesting and I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a completely new league and level to what I’m used to.

“I don’t know too much about it at all but I’m eager to learn.”

However, Cox will soon be working with a new manager after the Wanderers opted to part company with Markus Babbel.

>Accrington Stanley left-back Zaine Francis-Angol has been training with Southend United, Echosport understands.

The 26-year-old has made just six appearances for Stanley this season and is believed to have spent last week with the Shrimpers.

Francis-Angol has previously played for Motherwell, Kidderminster Harriers and Fylde. Blues are currently short of options at left-back.