Joe Cole announced his retirement from football yesterday and the tributes were gushing in from his ex-teammates and ex-clubs. West Ham United, in particular, paid a fitting tribute to their ex-academy man and a lot of the supporters commented how they’d love to see him return as a coach.
What a career. Once a Hammer, always a Hammer.
All the best for the future, Joe! pic.twitter.com/t29T8MD0zG
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) 13 November 2018
Joe Cole turned out for a large number of clubs in his career, however he will hold West Ham close to his heart seeing as how he came through the ranks at Upton Park on his way to making a huge career for himself. The 37-year-old finished his career off at Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second division of United States football, retiring as a three-time Premier League and three-time FA Cup winner.
The 56-cap former England man turned out for Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Coventry and obviously The Hammers in his playing career and now, as he looks to pursue a career in coaching the perfect place for him to go would be The London Stadium, where a lot has changed since he made his West Ham bow as a player back in July 2014. Manuel Pellegrini would no-doubt make room for Cole on his coaching staff and he’d be welcomed with open arms by the fans.
You can read The Hammers’ verdict on Cole here:
I don’t think joe has ever had anything but good things to say about his time at WHU, so lets hope he’s not lost to the game, but like most truly gifted players, it’s difficult to pass on something that most players can only dream of doing,good luck Joe
— Bob austin (@bobaustin65) 13 November 2018
God I loved you so much Joe Cole
— Jarrod Lyster⚒ (@JazzzzMan20) November 13, 2018
He should be employed by our academy alongside Potts & Collison
— Mark Cooper (@MCcoops) 13 November 2018
The Genesis
— iam_Phemmy_Nice (@phemmynice) 13 November 2018
Awesome player and attitude towards the game.
— The_Pawns (@The_Pawns) November 13, 2018
Get him in academy a perfect mentor coach
— Steve Davis (@RUsureIsaidthat) November 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/mikoaks/status/1062278883083538432
Such great memories from watching Joe Cole over the years – such a shame that we got relegated and never got to see him at his peak years
— Mark Speller (@marks_WHUFC85) November 13, 2018
The Hammers would love to see a Joe Cole return and will be relying on their club to make it happen.
