A pacy and nimble winger who arrived from Newcastle United for big money, Ruel Fox failed to realise the potential he had, but still provided some memorable moments in a Spurs shirt.
Started his career at Norwich City and made a big impact with his speedy dashes up the wing as the Canaries hit the heights in the top flight. Snapped up by Newcastle United for a big fee, but he did not make the expected difference in the team and left after 20 months, but still made a big profit for the Geordies, who managed to squeeze £4,200,000 out of Spurs.
Ruel was an erratic performer, who, on his day, could be a real handful. Unfortunately, that day only rarely comes. His crossing was more likely to finish on the head of a supporter than a forward and his finishing could too, but when he was in the mood he could trick full-backs, provide inviting balls for incoming strikers and score cracking goals (like at Blackburn in 1997-98).After some time at the club, he appeared to lack the pace to go past defenders, so had to rely on a trick or two (but certainly no more than that) to beat his man. Fox often faded out of games or did not get involved in them enough. With some self-belief, he could have been more consistent. Despite erratic form, he was offered a new three year deal, but the resurgence of Darren Anderton and the arrival of Korsten meant that Foxy was on his way out, especially as he didn't even make the bench towards the end of the season.
Everton were rumoured to be interested and other Premier and Nationwide League clubs were linked with a move for him too. He featured sparingly in his last season and following his refusal to go on loan on transfer deadline day, he was frozen out of the first team and the reserves too. He looked destined to leave in the summer months, with Norwich City his most likely destination, but actually left in 2001 to join West Bromwich Albion.
Stayed for just over a year and retired on leaving WBA in 2002. Took up as a restaurateur in Ipswich, but could not stay away from the game, firstly playing for, then taking up a coaching post with Montserrat in 2004 before managing a local non-league side Whitton United. In 2009, he was working as a personal fitness trainer for Ipswich Borough Council.
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