Crawley Town midfielder Dean Cox is joining Burgess Hill on loan until the end of the year.

The former Albion wideman cannot play for League Two Crawley until January 2, having parted company with previous club Leyton Orient after the closure of the transfer window.

But Cox, who lives in Haywards Heath, is able to sign for clubs below National League level and will be linking up with Ian Chapman, his former Albion coach who is in charge of Ryman premier Hillians, until the new year.

Crawley head coach Dermot Drummy said: “It was always our intention to get Dean out on loan to a local club so he could get some games under his belt and keep himself ticking over before he can play for us.

“Burgess Hill are not only local to him geographically, but he knows Ian Chapman well and we know Burgess Hill are an excellent club who try and play in the right way.

“It’s an arrangement which suits everyone. Dean will train with us during the week and also play for Burgess Hill and we’ll obviously be monitoring his progress.”

Burgess Hill boss Chapman said: “This is a great signing for the club and I am looking forward to working with Dean again.

“He will add quality to the squad who have started the season well.

“We have games coming up 'thick and fast' and Dean can play a vital part in us gaining points in the Ryman Premier league.”