That is one more goal than any other forward has scored for us this season. Carlton's critics will now jump up and down and say it was a tap in, that 'Arry's wife could have scored it. The trouble with that argument is that for years we have been seeking a "fox in the box", and what do they do? They score tap in goals!
Now I'm not saying Cole has become a fox in the box overnight but his critics can't have it all ways. Cole scored and was in the right place at the right time to score. For that he deserves credit.
It may just be that Cole's problems are down to poor service and a poor striking partner. Briefly, he had Ilan alongside him - and Ilan is hardly a world beater - and we scored goals. When Di Michelle was alongside him, Cole looked good. We were all raving about Ba, but maybe Cole was part of the reason why Big Chief Broken Knee looked good. Time will tell.
I have a nagging worry that Cole and Zamora would form an effective partnership at Fulham. And as two ex West Ham players and two players committed to West Ham whilst at the club, that would be a choker. Big Sam says he wants 4 strikers and at the moment only has three - and one of those is Piquionne! It is true that Cole and Carew do not look a good fit, especially if Sam is going to persist with 4-3-3, but the search for a goal scorer to play up front hints at a 4-4-2 for the future. Thinking ahead, Cole has done it in the Prem and if we bounce back I would like him in the squad at least.
I would prioritise selling Parker and holding on to Cole.
9 comments:
Kevin in manchester writes..
Hmmm. first off the rumour is in the Daily Mirror which has a long history of selling off our players with absolutely no hard facts or knowledge to back their stories up. He has been quoted as saying he's committed to West Ham.. however while the window remains open anything is possible. I know you are a fan, and I am not against as such, but I just don't think he scores enough goals and I am not confiedent he ever will. How would you feel if we flogged him and bought Maynard and Fryatt (Hull) or some such or even got Johnson in an exchange and with cash to buy one of the above?
Completely agree, Cole deserves a chance under a better man manager than Grant! He played well under Zola because he showed belief in him and obviously motivated him well. Lets hope Big Sam can do the same!
I don't think Maynard or Fryatt would hack it in the Prem mate. I'm keen to keep a core of players capable of playing at the top level. Of the current squad, I could see Green, O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Noble, Nolan, Collison and Cole forming the basis of a mid table team in the Prem, with quality added around them. Sulllivan and Gold are not going to spend a fortune "topping up" the team so finding three Prem players up to the job would be challenge enough!
He also played badly under Zola! I think the partner is the key. Di Michelle and Bellamy brought out the best in Cole and Cole brought out the best in Ilan. Find a speedy player to play alongside him and we will see the best of him!
Max from London:
I wouldn't mind losing Parker with the capability and depth we have in our midfield. I would try to hold on to Cole desperately, he would be brilliant for us in the championship. I want us to get rid of Piquionne, he's useless. I think we should use money from selling Piquionne and maybe Parker to buy Andy Johnson or if not, Nicky Maynard. Either of those 2 will complete our team.
I think the Cole ship has well and truely sailed. For his wages, i would much rather see him shipped out and a forward who is mentally stronger bought in, even if its an average one.
Cole, for all his committment and effort, has proved time and time again that he will never be the player he should be. He misses sitters in almost every game.
People will argue that he is a confidence player, but he only seems to have confidence for 2 weeks per season. This is his downfall. Mentally fragile 'confidence' players will never become 20 goal strikers.]
His committment to the cause is admirable and i wish we had more like him. Sadly however, he lacks the skill to be useful to us and will never be the player we need up front.
i would personally add Taylor to the core group of players, as i think he has what it takes..
and i hope cole stays..he can be frustrating at time, but he is committed to the club, and he is getting more support on top than last year, so he should produce enough chances to score some goals! but we need a different type of striker to accompany the target man on top...who? i dont know, but maybe loan some promising talent from premier league?
shola ameobi got 10 goals in 18 games in the championship, i think that says it all about the quality needed upfront, he has only netted 13 times in 5 year in the premiership, cole has 31 in the same time period, my point is cole is twice the player ameobi is and is more than capable of leading the line this season, he is also comitted. with carew coming in i would like to see piq leave and another striker brought in, i rate maynard, scores goals for fun and came through the crewe youth team just like dean ashton.
out of the three my keeps would go no1 Green
no2 Cole
thats that sorted
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