Dean Cox has been busy building his new-look Burgess Hill squad.

But a cheeky enquiry to an Albion goal-scoring legend did NOT come off.

Cox took charge at Hillians soon after the end of last season having guided Lancing from relegation danger to mid-table in Isthmian League south east.

He quickly targeted significant changes to a Hillians squad which narrowly avoided the drop.

And he could not resist half-jokingly trying his luck when Glenn Murray was at the ground to watch his son in a youth game.

A picture was posted of Murray and Cox, former Albion colleagues, in front of the Burgess Hill club badge.

But he will not be giving up his numerous high-profile media roles for a season of non-league in Mid Sussex.

Cox said: “We thought we’d have a bit of banter.

“I’m not going to lie - I did ask him.

“He quickly told me to move on. He’s too busy!

“I had a little joke with him about it.

“He was at the club and we had a bit of a catch-up.”

Cox has secured several of last season’s players, including some promising youngsters and 30-goal top marksman Dan Perry.

Darren Budd and Kieran Pamment have returned to the club.

New signings include Finn Daniels-Young, Tyrese Mthunzi, Joe Shelley, Reece Hallard and Marcus Allen.

Cox says a high level of fitness will be key to improved fortunes in the coming season.

But he will make pre-season as enjoyable as he can.

The former Albion, Orient and Crawley wideman said: “They stayed up on the last game of the season so there’s no surprise we needed to make some changes.

“As you can see, we have signed a fair few.

“We have got a squad of probably 17, 18 now so I think we are near enough there.

“But you know me - I’m still looking!

“The boys we have retained have all said the same thing about not being fit enough.

“They can expect to run in pre-season but they can expect ball work with that.

“Not so old school as when I used to do it and we would just run until we were sick.

“But the boys will be running.

“The foundation we had at Lancing was a very fit team.

“Especially in the league we are in, that’s crucial.

“A lot of games open up in the last 30 minutes.

“We won a lot of games in that time frame.”