I’m only 22, so probably won’t make the same choice that alot of you when it comes to picking my favourite West Ham player ever. In fact,after considering this for some time I must say I’m a bit shocked by my owndecision as you all know how I feel about James Tomkins!
But, I’ve gone for the West Ham player who I feel most passionately about in another sense. This is the player who warms my heart every time I see him, who feels the same way most of us fans feel, and who has had to put up with a lot of criticism from some of the Hammers faithful. So,albeit a bit controversial, I’m picking Carlton Cole as my all-time favourite.
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Let’s face it, there are so many players I could have chosen for so many reasons. Looking back on my time as a Hammers fan, Paolo Di Canio and Repka were just two of the players who I looked back on with a smile. Joe Cole came a close second (I must have a thing for that surname!) as he was my first ever favourite player, just breaking out as a star of the first team when my Dad started taking me to Upton Park. He impressed with his pace and trickery, and I really enjoyed watching him on the ball.
But my love for Carlton, it’s deeper than that. I just thinkhe’s a really refreshing take on the modern footballer. And no matter what some people say – I heard someone call him a ‘donkey’ at the Play-off final and followed up by saying we should sell him, I truly believe he gives 100%.
Cole is a confidence player. When the fans are behind him,he doesn’t have to think about the technique for the goal, he just fires into the back of the net. Loyalty is also a massive reason that he’s my favourite –he took a 50% pay cut to stay at West Ham and help them return to the Premier League; I can’t think of many footballers that would do that in this day and age.
The second longest-serving player at the club after Mark Noble, Cole turned to twitter soon after the Play-off final. He revealed that he had been playing with an injury for the last 8 games, but wanted to keep playing to help the Hammers win. He said: ‘Certain people in the game told me Iwas mad to stay at West Ham when we got relegated but haha ha up yours… I loveit here.’
He went on to tweet: ‘I was taught when someone invites you into their home you treat it like it’s your own, West Ham have shown me a home’and ‘I’m not planning on going anywhere, West Ham have shown me a home and I’mhappy here as long as they want me.’
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To me, that cemented why he has to be my all-time favourite.He’s stayed with West Ham through thick and thin and has made sacrifices for the club when needed. I love that he’s so loyal – I’m not sure some of our other players would put up with the stick he’s had and still remain faithful to the club. And I know for a fact not all of them would take pay cuts!
I’m not expecting everyone to agree with me as I know Carlton seems to divide opinion in the Irons fan base, but when I was considering who my favourite Hammer was, his name just kept resurfacing. I just hope he continues his strong end to the Championship season into the Premier League and proves his doubters wrong. Can’t control!? Always believe in…Carlton Cole!
Who’s your all-time favourite to have pulled on the claret and blue shirt? Let me know at @alwaysintune.
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I have to agree with this, I’m 24 not saying he is the greatest Hammer but he is my favourite he shows heart, passion and loyalty and as a fan that’s all you can ask for. The fans that give him stick wind me up.
Instead of getting on his back when he’s not doing well get behind him and the team that’s what good supporters do. He scored a great goal in the final and played a great part in getting us up. Carlton Cole is West Ham through and through. Great Article.
Mines the Estwing E239MM
I saw from the old Chicken Run and loved the maestro Bobby Moore, big Geoff Hurst, the tricky and pacy Alan Devonshire, the pure class of Trevor Brooking and the solid, dependable Alvin Martin, but Billy Bonds WAS West Ham for over 20 years Strong as an Ox, fitter than anyone youve ever seen on a football pitch, brave as a lion, skipper, heatbeat and totally dependable…My all time No.1 Hammer.
Spense you have nailed it Billy Bonds is also my all time favourite, can not remember if he won any England caps? 1 or 2 I think what a waste.
Hi Tom. Billy was due to get a cap against Brazil but got injured…and never got another chance. What a scandal for such a great player eh ??? Happy days in the early 1970’s watching Bonzo, socks rolled down, long hair and beard, crunching anything that moved…legend !!!!
have seen West Ham from early 60’s
Without a doubt my best player was Billy Bonds, even the toughest players pulled out of tackles with Bonzo!!!!! Mooro a very, very close second !!!!
Billy Bonds is my favourite by a country mile.Bonzo played in several different positions for the club and always gave 110% for the team unlike a lot of the players today.He played on until he was 41 and still looked fitter than most of the team and never pulled out of a tackle.I think if we move to stratford there should be a statue of the great man.
HAS to be Bonzo! No-one like him anywhere, ever. COYI!
In this mordern era, i must agree that carlton cole is a true hammer.
Unlike the likes of Upson, Cole shows true loyalty. Even before he revealed the 50% paycut, he showed his loyalty by stating he wanted to be at WHU even when he got bid from premiere league clubs.
I’m a bit disappointed by some of the WHU fans who stated that C.C. is lazy and a deadweight. Yes, he isnt that prolific, but the commitment he shown must have some value, doesnt it?
Can’t Control?
Most enjoyable article thank you
For me two words: Billy Bonds!
Alan Devonshire for me, well I would say that he is my cousin, Way to go DEV!!!!!!!!
Billy Bonds without a doubt
Billy Bonds, my hero, claret & blue through & through.
Bobby Moore is a giant amongst footballers and according to Pele is the best defender he played against. I watched him as often as possible and no one since is good enough to clean his boots.
Good piece. However mine would be joe cole. I remember going to watch him down west ham as a boy and he was my hero! Obviously paolo comes a close second but joe is still my fave! I want him back.
Noble is the best of the current crop as he is a local boy but huge respect to Carlton! He has been a good servant so far!
What about Marky noble west ham through and through big love for carlton but nobs gets it for me.plus he was player of the season by far,,!
Agree. Cole is my fav current player..
I don’t think that it’s a coincedence that being 22 as well I have the exact same opinion about Joe Cole and Carlton.
This says it all really
http://yfrog.com/nvcn6igj
Bobby Moore, Billy Bonds, Trevor Brooking, Alan Devonshire.
Geoff Hurst, Pop Robson.
All different , the best there was.
Booby Moore, Martin Peters and Trevor Brooking were all great , But Bonzo was the greatest.! Never gave less than 110% and made surer that his team mates did the same. If Joey Barton, John Terry or anybody else thinks they’re tough, they’re about as tough as yesterdays bread compared to Bonzo. I still remember him sorting out Chopper Harris after he’d poleaxed John Ayris when we played Chelsea at home. Anyone remember that?