Chelsea fans will begrudgingly admit that Joe Cole has been shit for them since returning from injury. The winger that has always had to prove himself has been obviously frustrated by his lack of opportunities under Carlo Ancelotti and this has been reflected by his performances on the pitch.
I spoke to The Chelsea Blog ahead of Saturday’s game and they were worried by Cole’s lack of effort.
“The player who has surprised me most is Joe Cole,” they said. “I just can’t work out what’s happened to him. He’s always been a player who has had to prove himself season after season and he’s never truly been appreciated at Chelsea as far as I’m concerned. Having said that, no matter what’s going on behind the scenes, he has always produced the goods on the pitch. This season though, it just hasn’t been happening for him and together with the lack of a contract, that worries me a lot.”
Cole always said he would never bring his contract negotiations in to the press, the way “Chelsea legends” John Terry and Frank Lampard did, to squeeze more money out of the club they “love”. Maybe he was naive but he genuinely seemed to believe that football was more than just about money. Sadly for him, he is playing at the wrong club. Money is everything at CFC and after Cole’s poor season, the club aren’t interested in rewarding loyalty (that is something the club is interested in after the player threats to play football elsewhere) and have offered him a poor deal. He is 28-years-old and looking to sign the last big contract of his career but his club aren’t too bothered.
“I’ve never spoken publicly about contracts before,” Cole said at the beginning of March. “I don’t think contracts should really be discussed mid-season. I have always signed mine in the summer in the past. But this time it’s different. We can’t seem to find common ground and it’s distracting. At the moment there is no offer on the table, so I know where I stand.”
Cole has been heavily linked with a move to United, with Sir Alex Ferguson named as a long term suitor of the attacking midfielder. We wouldn’t offer him the money he wants from Chelsea, but we would offer him the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, under the best manager in the world, alongside some of the best players in the world. Whatever his feelings for Chelsea, he would be mad not to consider a future at United, regardless of what we offered him in weekly wages.
After a poor season for Chelsea, it comes as no surprise that he would have the game of his life against United. Just as our players recommended Eric Cantona to Ferguson after we played Leeds, and they did the same for Cristiano Ronaldo, I’m sure our lads will have a thing or two to say about Cole after his good performance today.
Is it really a coincidence that he’s been poor all season for Chelsea, where they’ve offered him little respect in terms of a contract, only to play out of his skin at Old Trafford in front of Sir Alex Ferguson? I don’t think so.
Ditch that godawful sweatband, Joe, and we’ll happily welcome you at United.
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nice goal thou
He’s a cock, no thanks.
Yeah, he played to impress both clubs yesterday. Sorry, but personally, I don’t want him. We’ve talked about the United way on more than one occasion, and bringing in players at the age of Joe Cole isn’t that. Especially when we have Nani, Park and Valencia as wingers.
he better than ur berbatov
costa
nani maybe painting himself into the starting team but all in all he’s much better on the valencia side
which is great becaus eof the cover needed
i think park is turning into a CM player so they may need a first place left winger or cover for one.
Cole may not be a answer but i think there maybe a question
and in anyway
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7HxtEHAceM
I understand he wants to be on a similar pay level to Lampard, 150k per week, erm ok a bit hefty! lol but the thing that would worry me about Cole is the injuries he constantly collects.How often would we see him actually playing.ohh to be a free agent.
On a free no problem but is he lining his own pocket with a huge signing on fee,I guess the jury will be out on him.
A lovely flick though Berbatoffesque.
idk
are you a chelsea fan
berbatov<joe cole
i dont frickin think so
@GHTT
I agree that Nani’s best position is right wing. That being said, he has done pretty well on the left in recent games, Ha has given quite a few assists from there and he can always tuck in and shoot(something that he has avoided recently). We will need a left winger. My pick would be someone like Di Maria, if we ever could make a bid for him. And I will ask the stupid question now: What if Obertan develops into a good solution on the left?
I will not be a hypocrite and say that Michael Owen is a different story. He isn’t. He was someone who was in his late 20s, out of contract and had injury problems. He turned out better than I expected, but do we really need to make a habit out of this?
Good Bubsy no we dont need to make a habit out of looking for the freeagents !00% right
also Di Maria or David Silva (thou hes been phoning it in as of late) Id love to see
I like Jack Swagger
Also I dont know if its a stupid question , nore like the million dollar question
Obertan has everything to be the next World Class winger
But its a wait and see and hope he develops right
How many washed up has-been’s do we need in the squad?
I would much much rather give one of our youngsters this place
@GHTT
Lol mate, you always know how to bring wrestling into the convo. Swagger would make a great partner for Vida at the back.
David Silva hey? We are on the same side there. I am find of him. I think he and Villa are on the brink of losing their best opportunity to make it at a bigger club. I like their commitment to Valencia, but in 2-3 years they will have Man City transfer target written all over them.
*fond of him*
Hmm…Joe Cole. An enigma to us all. A nicer bloke you’ll never meet – got time for kids, old people and everyone in between. We all love him at Chelsea. Joe Cole the football player – has he ever fulfilled his potential? Is he as good as everyone has always thought he was? Personally, I don’t think he actually is a world class player. When he’s fit, he is very good, but his flicks and showboating, which drove Mourinho bonkers, does slow play down and I think that’s why Ancelloti doesn’t rate him as much as others. Personally, I think he gives us something different. There is no way that Chelsea will pay him the wages he wants. Our new chief exec is a tough bloke and determined to get us to break even and if Ancelloti isn’t that bothered about Cole, there’s no way he will get paid what he wants.
No point in getting Him when we have just handed Nani a new contract, we have Park, Valencia, Tosic on loan, Obertan is somewhere! errrr…… and i think that is the bulk of our wingers. Fuck Joe Cole we used to have Ronaldo mate, we aint tryna stoop that low for wingers now!
Hmmmmm thats a pickle.
POSITIVES
First and foremost. He would be free. Well at least free in the sense that we would have to pay any transfer fee.
With the new regulations coming in regarding homegrown talent and the like and a cap in european competitions, Joe Cole would fit the bill as an Englishman. More then we could say for Park, Nani, Tosic, Obertan etc..
Will be familiar with the way we play, especially the lads part of the english setup with him (well, used to be when he was picked) such as Rooney, Rio, Gaz, Wes, Hargo, Carrick you get the picture. He will also be familiar with Carrick and Rio from their days together as part of that promising West Ham side.
His presence will provide Nani with fierce competition and may help push the young portugeezer in his progress. If Nani’s place was under real threat then it will spur him on to perform bettter (well thats my thinking, others may argue that Nani will curl up and be squeezed out but thats an argument for another day). This leading to the argument..
The left flank is vulnerable. Nani has only shown glimpses of class this season, Giggs is beyond the left flank now, Park works his heart out bless him and can certainly put it on in big games on occasion, but IMO, knowing the likes of him, Obertan, Tosic, are our left flank options in anticipation of big games, do not help me sleep at night and do nothing to calm big game jitters. Joe Cole has played at major championships and has been around the block a bit. He is proven in that regard.
Lastly, he will add a touch of class to the midfield. We have Valencia (who is a menace with his speed but the lack of a left foot kills his ability to ever cut in). Scholes and Giggs are closing in on the over the hill, Fletcher, Hargo Gibson, grafters. Carrick has been opening up defences less and less this season, maybe Cole could be the key to sorting that, I dont know…
NEGATIVES
Signing on Fee. If there is one, of course there will be, would probably be crazy. Manchester United will not be the only club vying for his signature no question about that. So the bal will be in the Joe’s court,, or rather, his agents. United should not be held to ransom on that one just because they are getting him for free (thats the attractive thing and the onl yreason the deal is even in contemplation right?). If there was a price tag on Cole, I doubht United would go near him. We are in debt, so the idea of bringing in a plkayer on the cheap again (see Owen) is the appeal.
Wages. The reason he is looking to pastures anew in the first place. He is demanding wages similar to that of Lampard of Terry. While I strongly believe those two assholes are overpaid, Cole is at least in their bracket. Twice the player Lampard is. Just add Goals. United should be careful with wage demands here. Owen is on a pay by play Im aware. I think that would work here as Cole is a bit of an injury jinx himself. I just dont see him going for that option. He will want big bucks on a weekly basis. Whereas Owen had limited options, Cole will have many. Obviously United should be the only club to be considered no matter who else is in for him, but remember, these players think with their wallets and not their heads.
Injuries. He has had his fair amount. So I ask, is it worth the gamble? Owen has had a good enough season given the circumstances, but right now, he is injured and out for the season, right in our hour of need. Could have similar problems with Cole.
Lastly, there may be a possibility that United will gain a reputation for picking up strays or, to put it wrongly, “rejects”. While our rivals splash out big bucks to bring in the worlds top talent, we are scraping around the bargain bins. But thats due to the lack of any real value in the market right.
CONCLUSION
Fergie knows what hes doing. We wouldnt be where we are if he didint. Michael Owen was a shrewd piece of business, Joe Cole could prove to be even better. If he signs in the Sumer that is.
But then again, if that Russian mogul coughs up the cash and he renews his Chelsea contract, or signs for some mickey mouse outfit instead of us, we can always be safe in the knowledge that we never wanted him anyway right
KEVKEV
Same with Kuszczak, Fergie kept an eye on him since his amazing performance against United
@kev kev You could leave some area for others to comment on….. lol
Away to the Church.
rooney to play against bayern? damn isnt that lad a wee bit enthusiastic? lol j.j.
i reckon itl be the perfect boost for the lads to see him playing. big psychological blow for bayern IF he does play.
Yeah well any chance of cloning Giggs?
Scott you are a fuckin idiot for wanting joe cole to come to united. The lad is in love with chelsea and not once but twice has he ruined our chances of winning the league by scoring against us (including yesterday). Fuck joe cole. Once we get hargreaves and anderson back we will be a different team! United 4 life
Tony Starks – which youngster of ours do you think should play down our wing next season?
I like Joe Cole but a United player – I don’t think so!
Where would he fit into the side? Wanders all over the place but his style of play is nowhere near that of United’s and somehow I just don’t see him in a red shirt!
Sir Alex may have BEEN a big fan some years ago but since he first came to SAF’s notice has he improved? I don’t think so and for that reason I would leave him alone. United would be better served looking for someone with continental flair, razamataz or whatever to add something different to what thye have now.
Paul Scholes was the epitomy of a true United player but sadly his days are rapidly coming to an end as was proved only yesterday. His passing was poor, his involvement was negligible and his scoring prowess seems to have disappeared with his advancing age – and don’t get me writing about Ryan Giggs yesterday!
So Joe Cole to United? – not a chance, there are bigger fish in the sea to catch!
Joe Cole at United how would that work. Fergusson doesn’t offer players in their 30′s more than one year at a time. Ok hes 28 so the best contract he’d get here is three years and then theres the issue where would he play. Giggs has got a year left in him, Park Nani and Valencia control the wings, Scholes Andersson Fletcher have the forward midfield possitions covered and youngsters like Possibon and Pogba etc waiting in the wings. Why destroy their development for a few years of play no better than we already have. You sign players to make your team better, not to make up the numbers.
No thanks.
Fuck joe cole.
I hope the roof falls in on his little smurf house and he trips over a toadstool and breaks his cock
Don’t want to downplay anything, but it looks like his goal was luck more than anything. The ball hit his foot and went in. He just remembered to backheel after it left his foot.
Malouda did most of the hard work in that goal by stealing the ball from Valencia and getting the better of Fletch. Malouda who was lucky he played yesterday by the way.
I wouldnt fancy Cole at United to be honest.
David silva is good. I like him too. I still feel the central midfield is weak too. We still havent strengthen the midfield area. I hope we buy someone great this summer if not we will not be winning anything enxt season consider all the players getting older.
@ redscot
I know, lol, just started expanding on all my points unawares and came out with that mammoth thing..
Also, since your heading to church, I hope United are in your prayers mate
We could use a few right now..
Joe Cole better than Lampard??? Loooooooolllll …. get your milk bottle specs on, lad!!
we dont need him.he’s good but he’s aging. bring back Tosic, and we’ll be fine. SAF should be dare enough to put the youngsters in most of our matches. The likes of Tosic and Obertan need experience to develop. They wont get any better by just sitting on the bench or playing in the reserves, wont they ?
I’d take on a free, we lack a creative player in the midfield area.
Hmm, we have got enough wingers in the team. I would rather we keep on bringing our youngsters in to the first team and giving starts to the likes of Obertan and Tosic when he’s back. Also, will Joe Cole be happy sitting on the bench? Fergie drops in form wingers on the bench for the sake of rotation all the time.
I think SAF stop recruiting his mate into the team having the likes of barbatov,giggs,scholes,garry already,then adding J cole will be catastrophe
@eleventh heaen
Putting the youngsters in to gain experience is the dream scenario BUT first you have to be in the possition to be able to play them. Were too close to wining the Premier League and doing well in Europe that we can’t risk playing the youngsters who haven’t proven themselves and is too big a risk when so much is at stake. I doubt like seasons past too many youngsters will get the chance at the end of this year because the recognised United players haven’t really done what was asked of them. As for the Tosic thing, he didn’t prove himself when he was here last time so hes had his turn.
I cant understand y some people want joe cole to come to united.guys use some brain we need a permanent solution not another temperory transfer like mikey owen.It would be a rubbish move on the part of sir alex if he buys him.If he doesnt want to spend that much then y not buy van der vaart.he is a creative midfielder and for sure better than carrick and he wont cost more than 12 millions.If u ask me i would not buy joe cole.Just because he scored yesterday we want him.
Ash – we wouldn’t be buying him, we’d be signing him, he’s free.
I’m not against getting Joe Cole. Yesterday there was an opening where Berbatov did a lovely bit of skill in the first half and went to cross it in but the movement of our midfield in the box was just plain wank. He can play on the wing and just behind the front man and centre midfield as well. Thats exactly one of the types of players we need but haven’t got. No point in trying to convert someone out of position like we did with Alan Smith.
Fletcher ISNT a box to box player.
Carrick is footballs answer to a quarter back.
Gibson hasn’t exactly found his niche yet but hes more defensive although he has a cracking shot.
Valencia and Nani are both wingers.
Scholes and Giggs are coming towards the end.
There are younger better players than Joe Cole but the prices being suggested are ridiculous. We should have signed sneijder when we had the chance.
Scott-Joe cole is not the player that united need.Agreed we have to sign him and not buy him but y also sign him.We have to accept it we need to spend some money to build our squad.i again say i would prefer van der vaart instead of a free cole.cmon u dont want to sign another player who is going to turn 30.I would want some better players instead of cole.
Tony Starks @ 10:40: “How many washed up has-been’s do we need in the squad?
I would much much rather give one of our youngsters this place.”
I’m in total agreement with that point. Yesterday might have been the swan song for Giggs, Scholes, and Neville, too. They have talent and experience but not enough physical presence any more.
This year has been a kind of bonus – post-CR when TheLads were expected to implode. BUT, whether or not, the team wins any of the two remaining big trophies, it’s time to give the kids their heads. That means keeping Edwin, Rio, and Vidic in the middle of the defence but letting younger legs play on the right flank, in midfield, and up-front.
ChelseaGirl @ 10:48: “Joe Cole the football player – has he ever fulfilled his potential? Is he as good as everyone has always thought he was? Personally, I don’t think he actually is a world class player.”
SPOT ON. Nice goal but what else did he do ?
KevKEv @ 10:56: “The left flank is vulnerable. Nani has only shown glimpses of class this season, Giggs is beyond the left flank now,”
This is a feeble argument – Nani has done just fine on his wrong wing. He’s younger, faster, more skilled, less injury-prone, AND cheaper than Joey Cole. But if you think that another left-sided player is needed then how about getting a left-footed player. Tosic is free since the fee’s been paid – he’s always done well for Serbia and he’s doing well in the Bundesliga now that he’s getting playing time.
The best available left-footed, left-sided player is Angel di Maria – he’d cost a shit=load of money and I’m not sure that I’d prioritize him over someone like Daniele De Rossi (if not De Rossi then someone with that skill-set).
In the really big games – in Rome, in Munich last week, and yesterday – when Fletcherinho is left alone to do the heavy lifting because Anderson and Hargreaves are unavailable then it plain to see that that’s what’s missing.
GoatinaUnitedShirt: @ 12:42: “As for the Tosic thing, he didn’t prove himself when he was here last time so hes had his turn.”
How can you say that ? He never got into the first-choice, first-team. He just might be one of those players who does better in real-life compeition rather than in practise or while playing in the reserves, with kids. There’s no question about the guy’s talent and, sure, he’s small but so is Luka Modric and Leo Messi so if they’re skilful enough then I think that Tosic deserves a real chance to play with the first-choice,first team and only then can we determine if he can prove himself – or not.
@ denton davey – Bang on about Tosic. Did you see his goal last week or the week before it was class. If he was given the same chance as Anderson and Nani in the first team and then sunk then people could criticise him. As it is I don’t know what hes done wrong not to have been given a chance.
I would dispute Nani is more skillfull than Joe Cole, it’s up for debate who’s the better player. I’m all for some of our younger players getting a chance, but who’s ready to come in to our first team squad next season, Cleverley maybe, but who else?
he is too prone to injury.. i wouldnt welcome him at OT
I thought it was obvious he wants to join us by the celebration after his goal, or lack of it I should say. The lad’s a cock but, if he performs like he can, would be a good addition to the squad.
Haven’t we got enough wingers? We need younger legs and fresher ideas, and we need them in central midfield, not out at the sides. That (CM) is where we’re losing these big matches — Chelsea, Munich, Barcelona, etc.
As for Nani, I understand his “natural” position is on the right, but I actually, I like him on the left. It’s the tactic of the “wrong-sided winger”: put a lefty on the right, and a righty on the left. Why? Because:
(a) In traditional wing play, the winger usually tries to use his strongest foot (the outside one) to cut outside the fullback. But that means he is attacking the fullback’s strongest foot. In the wrong-sided approach, the winger still uses his strongest foot but now that’s on the inside, and when he cuts back inside, he’s attacking the fullback’s weaker foot.
(b) In traditional wing play, the winger goes outside and down toward the goal line before attempting to curl the ball back into the middle. While this can stretch the defense, it also takes him away from the goal. In the wrong-sided approach, the winger cuts back inside and is thus moving closer to the goal.
(c) A traditional winger then has to make a difficult cross from a difficult position. When he makes that kick, he is usually facing the wrong way (toward the goal line). But because he cuts back inside and moves across the field toward the goal, the wrong-sided winger is now perfectly positioned to put the ball in.
(d) When the traditional winger crosses, a miss-hit ball will tend to go out into the crowd behind the goal. Or it may go straight across to the goalie. Even if the kick goes well, it will be curling away from the goal. But a wrong-sided is now facing across the goal and if he kicks with his stronger foot, the ball will curl in towards the goal, not away from it. Flicks and tips have a better chance of going on. The strikers will all head goalwards, not out from it.
(e) Once he gets past the fullback, the traditional winger doesn’t have many other options apart from crossing. The wrong-sided winger has many more options. He can chip the ball in the air to the strikers, he can pass it in virtually any direction (toward the goal, or toward on-rushing midfielders joining the fray), he can even have a shot himself.
Previously, when Nani played on the left, virtually all he did was either try to go wide (as a traditional left-winger would), or cut back inside and shoot himself. But in recent times, he has been playing more as a described above — the match against Bolton was the best example, and it illustrates most of what I’ve described above.
We signed Owen for Christs sake in terms of players we shouldn’t sign Joe Cole is way further down the list than Owen ever was, and Owen was a cock too.
Read off Berba! waist of money and time
Bring on Dzeko
Joe Cole only as he will come on a same condition as Owen
What is wrong with u scott?? This is the second time you have written about joe cole! Get over yourself! He’ll never come to united and we dont need him! Why dont u write about james milner or david silva instead! To me, those seem more realistic. Imagine how those chelsea pricks are having a laugh at this pointless piece of writing. What a joke! U should be talking about how much you actually hate the man instead of telling everyone how he’s gonna sign for united! Cmon scott lets get real here!
@KevKev lol that was not taking the piss bye the way, i just thought you covered every angle.
As for the Church I would put up a prayer for United but I have enough Sins of my own to ask forgiveness for. Pmsl
I’ve always been a fan of Joe Cole, since he played for West Ham, not really sure if I’d want him playing for my club though. He was pretty decent at West Ham, plenty of potential, good attitude, came across well. Now he’s just another whiny little brat who never got the chance to fulfill his real potential. Could he go to greater heights that at Old Trafford? Maybe. If United can take chances on people like Nani, Anderson and the Da Silva twins, I guess why not on someone who’s experienced and has proved he can play in England?
What is wrong with u scott?? This is the second time you have written about joe cole! Get over yourself! He’ll never come to united and we dont need him! Why dont u write about james milner or david silva instead! To me, those seem more realistic. Imagine how those chelsea pricks are having a laugh at this pointless piece of writing. What a joke! U should be talking about how much you actually hate the man instead of telling everyone how he’s gonna sign for united! Cmon scott lets get real here!
If you’re a Chelsea fan and you have come on here bad-mouthing Joe Cole you are short sighted and should feel ashamed of yourself. If you look at Joe Cole as a player since he joined Chelsea then his contribution has been fantastic. Those who are judging him solely on his contribution this season are idiots. He is coming back from a serious injury for Christ’s sake! He is the closest thing we have to Zola, and do you really want to sell him to Manchester United? How would you feel about Joe Cole strutting his stuff at the Bridge dressed in red, white and black? They say that football fans are fickle, but my god, I feel embarassed to appear in the same column inches as those who willingly berate Joe Cole. Listen Joe mate, if you’re reading this then please don’t take offence at the comments of these people – they really do not know what they are saying and they have been tainted by tabloid talk.
The only reason for COLE to move to UNITED would be with a guarantee of first 11 football or match the wages he’s reguestion….and honestly, we cant offer either.
Personally, I like the guy, but to be realistic he will most likely sign with Chelsea when the season is done. I wouldn’t mind signing another winger, specially someone to take over the left side, but remember we have OBERTAN coming up, so signing COLE, considering all the wingers we have, it would be unreasonable.
We need a CENTRAL ATTACKING MIDFIELDER. A winger is the least of our troubles.
UTD don’t need Cole.
As a player he never achieved the potential he showed as a teenager.
UTD do need a creative player in MF – so do Chelsea if it comes to that – but Cole is not that player.
Scholes is rapidly disappearing over the horizon whilst Carrick flops in big games. But I’m sure Fergie will sign the right player.
Can you people please stop talking about Obertan as a viable option for us, nevermind a potential “world class winger” until he actually shows us anything to support this belief. The few opportunities he has gotten he has been underwhelming to put it mildly, and there is a reason he hasn’t played since the Leeds game I believe? He isn’t good enough at the moment, and hasn’t shown anything to suggest he ever will be.
Well said, Giggsy’s. Fergie has obviously seen enough to conclude that Obertan is not United quality. File under “Zoran Tosic” (another one who some fans on here can’t seem to let go of.)
Liked the fire our young subs brought to the game, but scholes is not past it like u think.just that almost half of first 11 have a problem playing in the sun.chelsea can’t play us in a cooler evening.such weather favours the ginger man and all alike.it is a true factor. Cole though without spending much on him as a utd player wil be good business.
I dunno about Joe Cole, he’s always been one of those ‘nearly-men’. There have been moments in his career when he’s been simply stunning to watch but it’s only ever been ‘moments’,
There’s no doubt that United need to get the cheque book out this summer and stregthen certain areas of the squad but if we don’t, and the best we get are a couple of cheap unknowns and a questionable free-transfer then, well… we won’t be too happy… lol
Fred – If I were you I wouldn’t discount Tosic just yet mate. He has been loaned out for a reason and not just dumped in the reserves.
Come on Joe, join a big club mate.
@King Eric – Giuseppe Rossi, Chris Eagles, Lee Martin, Fraizer Campbell to name just a few who were loaned out. It means nothing. Fergal is probably hoping Tosic does the business for Koln and they stump up the money to take him off our hands.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says that midfielder Joe Cole will “definitely” sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
please dont ever bring this up again scott!