Carlton Cole sums it up very neatly indeed when discussing this phenomenal season declaring: “This is the hardest-working squad I’ve played in here.”
After eight years at the Boleyn, few are in a better position to judge the quality of the current squad and the 31 year old striker says: “We have got the right mix [of players].
He told the Standard: “We have some great players. We have got a great bunch of lads. We all have a great understanding of each other and everyone loves each other as brothers.
“That is why we are doing so well at the moment.”
Cole will be hoping to take his chance in the Hammers first-team at the turn of the year, when Sakho will be away on international duty with Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Say what you like about Carlton’s ability (which I don’t think is as bad as a lot of people make out), he’s a great squad player and we haven’t heard an ounce of grumbling from him since he became 4th/5th choice. I wouldn’t begrudge him another 12 month if the money is sensible.
Got to agree with you there, i really like Carlton as a person and a very loyal player.I would pay him to hang round the dressing room.I always felt the best was still to come with carlton,but he proved his worth in the championship,lots of hard work up top,and first line of defence from corners and set pieces a proper team player,who never hit the heights. C.O.Y.I.