3 Positives To Carlton Cole Being Back At West Ham
Although the transfer seems more like one from Football Manager than real life, Carlton Cole’s return to West Ham on a three-month contract has now been completed. Here are three reasons why the deal could boost the Hammers:
He is familiar with the club
One of the strangest parts of this move is that Cole only left Upton Park in the summer. It may only have been a shortage of options up front that led to Sam Allardyce re-signing him, but the fact that he will have already met most of the squad from last season means it should not take the striker long to settle back in. The fact that the fans know the player, with Cole having spent over seven years with West Ham, should also make it easier; they know what to expect from him and he may not have to win them over as much as he would at a new club.
He is experienced
Perhaps not possessing the pace or strength he had in his prime, Cole can now rely on a vast knowledge of the Premier League in order to unlock defences. Young players may have that rawness and explosive power that fans love to see, but one smart piece of play from a veteran forward is the kind of thing that can win a match on its own. Currently on a total of 59 West Ham goals, there is no doubt that it would be a special feeling for the 30-year-old to net his 60th in a Hammers shirt.
If it doesn’t work out, he will be gone by January
The one thing that nobody at Upton Park wants to see is the move being a waste of time for both the player and the team. Cole will want to get his career back on track and West Ham will want him to do it with them. However, if Andy Carroll recovers from injury and leaves Cole surplus to requirements, both parties will once again be able to go their separate ways with the knowledge that there was a chance the reunion would only be temporary.
Will this turn out to be a good bit of business by the Hammers or will it be something Sam Allardyce later regrets?
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