It was the homecoming that every Hammer has been waiting for, the return of the prodigal son, Joe Cole.
Cole, who bought out his contract at Liverpool to move back ‘home’ in January and burst back on the scene with a ‘Man of the Match’ display at Upton Park against Manchester United, with two assists in the 2-2 FA cup draw.
Has his move been a great success or just a move to keep the faithful happy, and a move more out of sentiment than actual real use?
Joe Cole is a firm fans favourite from his previous West Ham days where he burst on the scene as a teenager with his goal scoring heroics from a very young age. So his move back to the east end was greeted with excitement and joy from the claret and blue faithful.
His move back has seen him bag two goals against London rivals Tottenham and QPR and those assists against Manchester United. He brings a certain class to proceedings when he is on the pitch; he always looks one step ahead of everyone else with his movement and passing.
Unfortunately his return has been blighted by injury with a continuing hamstring problem which saw him miss a large bulk of the second half of the season.
He has provided memories that will live long in the memory with his goal against Tottenham briefly putting the Hammers in the lead, which certainly cranked the volume up in the ground. I believe his experience and inspiring return has had a positive effect on the team. Young players will look up to him and see what he has achieved after coming through the academy.
He brings a wealth of international and professional experience with him, which you can see when he is on the pitch, as I said he always seems one step ahead of everyone else on the pitch, certainly in claret and blue anyway.
The only frustrating thing from both a fans point of view and no doubt his point of view is his niggling injuries that have come with him. It has meant he couldn’t really find the consistent rhythm which means he hasn’t hit top gear yet on his return. If he can get himself fit in pre-season it will be next season which will really answer the question. Has he been a success or failure on his return to Upton Park?
I for one am delighted that he has returned as it certainly adds a bit of nostalgia from the days of his spotty face teen, and I can proudly say that I have seen both his home “debut” goals, Bradford and QPR.
Come on you Irons!
Tweet me @Bowdenwhu
He still has that creative spark we need yes he’s lost that little bit of pace and trickery but his work rate is alot better than his younger days I’m glad he’s back and can’t wait to see him in full flow for the hammers next season COYI!!! I may be dreaming abit but I could see us challenging for Europe with the right investment