Carlton Cole…a man who divided opinion amongst the Irons faithful like no-other. Some felt he was a tremendously loyal servant who served the club well during his 7 years…and there are others who felt he was useless and stealing a living at West Ham.
To lay my cards firmly on the table I’m definitely in the former group as opposed to the latter.
During his tenure at the club Carlton Cole provided us with many moments from THAT wonder-goal against Tottenham…to the back –pass in the same game that allowed Jermain Defoe to equalise mere moments after his own incredible goal.
Now that his Hammers career has finally come to an end the question has to be asked…what was your favourite Coley moment? For me it occurred last season and typified the commitment and graft that was the hallmark of Carlton’s Upton Park career; his performance in the 2-1 win over Millwall in the 11/12 season.
After Kevin Nolan had been dismissed mere minutes into the contest we switched to a 4-4-1 and Carlton Cole lead the line superbly, put us in front with a well taken header, chased down every lost cause and held the ball up all afternoon often with very little in the way of support. It was a brave and tireless performance in the ferocity and atmosphere of a derby that meant so much to not only the fans of both clubs, but the plight of both; with Millwall perilously close to the drop zone and West Ham’s position at the top of the league under threat.
Watching the game that day you simply wouldn’t have known that the home side were down to ten men and that was all down to Coley’s heroic display. Coley’s performance that day in my opinion summed up his time as a Hammer; he was never the most technically gifted or prolific but he always gave everything and as fans that’s all we can ask for.
Carlton Cole, in my humble opinion, is a true West Ham hero and icon; he served us with distinction for 7 years, took a wage cut and spurned the opportunity to stay in the Premier League (with Stoke) when we went down, he then went on and scored and set up the winner in the play-off final at Wembley.
Loyalty is increasingly rare in football, in Carlton Cole we found someone who exemplified it.
Whst a fantastic testament to csrlton cole i am guttef such a loyal and honest guy is leaving west ham! I will miss him soo much. Good luck carlton you will always be welcome at upton park a true legend. X
I was at that Tottenham game and the goal he scored that day was as good as they come.
Let’s not forget that Carlton also scored that spectacular opener in last year’s playoff final (in addition to setting up the winner). There are better players in the world but he was truly loyal to the club and played quite well on occasion. He derserves respect for his service and loyalty.
Great article & a fitting testament to a legend. Loved the guy, weren’t the greatest but tremendous commitment & love for the club. Will miss you Coley
Legend?
Legend, why not? Wembley Hero solidifies that. Other than Ashton and Bellamy, who outshone him in the striker role during his time here? AC only scored 7 with much more time on the pitch! But back to the original question: 2 goals against manure on a snowy night is my top highlight.
forgot about Tevez. His half season was legendary!
Well written. On his day absolutely unplayable and I truly believe that we never saw the best of him for one reason or another. When you factor in the way he was played (on his own) or the players that partnered him or the level or type of service he received, I’d say he wasn’t fully utilised at West Ham.
That said, he has been a fantastic and loyal servant for the club. He is a true man to take a wage cut in order to put right what he felt was a wrong when we were relegated. Other high profile players didn’t give a flying and engineered their way out as soon as possible. is a .
I will forever have time for Carlton who deserves a true induction to the West Ham supporters hall of fame. He will always be welcome at West Ham & I wish him the VERY BEST for the future!!!
Well written. On his day absolutely unplayable and I truly believe that we never saw the best of him for one reason or another. When you factor in the way he was played (on his own) or the players that partnered him or the level or type of service he received, I’d say he wasn’t fully utilised at West Ham.
That said, he has been a fantastic and loyal servant for the club. He is a true man to take a wage cut in order to put right what he felt was a wrong when we were relegated. Other high profile players didn’t give a flying and engineered their way out as soon as possible. is a .
I will forever have time for Carlton who deserves a true induction to the West Ham supporters hall of fame. He will always be welcome at West Ham & I wish him the VERY BEST for the future!!!