Just when things were looking good, along come Cole and Anelka!

I'm not convinced myself. The team spirit seems excellent, there is a real sense of togetherness, and the sum of the parts is greater than the parts themselves. Surely the last thing we need in January is the arrival of two big name charlies who believe the world and the game owe them what ever they demand.

Neither Joe Cole nor Anelka retain any love for the game that has provided them with wealth beyond their wildest dreams. Anelka chose to sign up for the red revolution in China and has got what he deserves - isolation and misery; Cole refused to make way for the red revolution at Liverpool and has got what he deserves too - a place in the stiffs.

Both could have made positive footballing moves in the summer but both opted to put money above job satisfaction. Why for God's sake, when they have so much money in the bank anyway? Well, like Midas, they have touched Fool's Gold because of their crass greed and they deserve every bit of disillusionment that comes their way.

Why should we rescue them? We've had enough knackered old carthorses in our time and don't need another two thanks very much. Yes we need a quality striker and yes we need more options in midfield and yes, Allardyce has a knack for squeezing out the last ounce of ability from players, but these two sulky millionaires may be a challenge too far even for him. Leave them where they are Sam. Leave them to rot. Whisper it quietly around Upton Park but Frank Lampard would be a far better signing!