Carlton Cole released by Celtic

Former Hammer Carlton Cole has left Celtic after just eight months with the Scottish champions after Brendan Rogers joined the club. The 32 year old striker moved north last October on a two-year deal following his release from the Boleyn Ground after nine years with West Ham.

Cole, scored just once – against Stranraer in the Scottish Cup – in five matches for the Hoops. In a brief statement on their website, Celtic said; “Celtic Football Club today confirmed that Carlton Cole is leaving the club. Everyone at Celtic would sincerely like to wish Carlton the very best of success for the future.” 

Carlton Cole was released by West Ham for the second time in two years in May last year. The striker was let go by the Hammers in the summer of 2013 but rejoined the club on a short-term deal five months later before penning an 18-month contract in January 2014. Carlton made 158 League appearances for the Hammers plus a further 99 appearances as a substitute scoring 55 goals in total over his two spells as an Iron.