LEYTON Orient star Dean Cox was praised by Russell Slade for a campaign in which the winger repaid in spadefuls the faith shown by his boss.

Cox was rescued by Slade from Brighton & Hove Albion a year ago, when the player had fallen way out of contention for a place in Gus Poyet’s team.

During his first season at the Matchroom Stadium, Cox bagged 11 goals and finished with 19 assists, the second highest tally in League One.

With one year now left to go on his current contract, Cox is likely to draw interest from rival clubs this summer.

“Dean had a great season,” Slade told Guardian Series Sport. “Some people do better than you expect, some do not do as good.

“He was good for me when I was at Brighton and I could see the potential there.”

Will the close relationship be strong enough to keep Cox at Orient until the end of the August, when the summer transfer window snaps shut?