Cole had massive potential, and signed professional forms for West Ham United. His performances for the youth teams made an early debut inevitable – he led West Ham to the FA Youth Cup in 1999, and made his first-team debut soon after aged just17 years old.
Cole’s technical skills and the exciting way in which he played the game ensured he soon became a favourite of the fans. Cole was able to beat defenders, and was an unknown quantity at that stage, which gave him the extra space to work his magic in. He soon became a first-team regular, alongside other youngsters Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick, all given their chance by manager Harry Redknapp.
After a heady season, finishing 5th, Redknapp left the club citing a lack of ambition, and some of the club’s best players were sold. Youth-team manager Glenn Roeder was given the post, and soon recognised Joe Cole’s importance to the team, making him captain at just 21 years old. The season ended badly, with West Ham relegated, and Joe Cole one of the first to admit he wanted to move clubs to continue playing in the Premier League.
Thanks to www.contacttheplayers.com
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