Cole Signs With Celtic

Celtic have signed experienced striker, Carlton Cole after a training audition that has lasted over the past several weeks. Cole’s deal runs until 2017. The 32- year- old striker formerly played in the English Premier League with West Ham United and Chelsea FC. Cole made his earned salary in his prime while he was with West Ham, having 259 appearances and 57 goals for the Irons from 2006-2015.

Cole is a large presence at the striker position, boasting a 6’3” frame with massive strength. Although not the quickest and most finesse of strikers, Cole will compliment the other attackers on the Celtic squad using his size and strength to draw defenders in closer, creating more space for strikers like Leigh Griffiths, and Anthony Stokes.

When Cole spoke with the press after he signed his contract, he wanted to make sure he pointed out that it wasn’t about the money; but the pride of putting on the Hoops kit:

“It was the same at West Ham, if you put on that shirt and you wear it with pride, the fans would take to you and you would get a good rapport with the fans.
“That’s what I’m here for, I can see the same sort of thing at Celtic.”

Former Celtic boss, Neil Lennon has said that he was interested in bringing the striker to his new club, Bolton. But with Cole certain to make a move outside of his hometown of London for the first time, he wanted a new experience and a city that felt like home.

While it seems as though the striker found his “home away from home”, he may have to wait to make his debut with the Celts while he continues to heal from a nagging leg injury he picked up while in training during his audition. Cole says he seems to be making  progress towards returning to match fitness, something for Celtic fans to keep an eye out for within the coming weeks.