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Cole growing tired of bit-part role at Bridge
Simon Johnson9 Jan 2009
JOE COLE is worried about his long-term future at Chelsea on the eve of their crucial clash against Manchester United, writes Simon Johnson.
The England midfielder has 18 months left on his deal at the club and has yet to be reassured he will be given a new one.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is hoping to exploit the situation by trying to sign the 27-year-old in the summer.
Cole has grown frustrated at being constantly subbed by manager Luiz Felipe Scolari this term and has only completed the full 90 minutes once.
That was against United in September and he showed his disappointment when he was taken off for the 12th game in a row against Southend in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Cole is a huge admirer of Redknapp having started his professional career under him when he was in charge of West Ham. Ideally, Redknapp would like to try and sign him this month but knows the end of the season will be more likely.
Cole has consistently stated he wants to stay at Chelsea for the rest of his career but is unsure whether the club or the manager feels the same.
The uncertainty is the last thing any Chelsea player needs ahead of a vital match against their title rivals.
Chelsea are just four points ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who also have two games in hand.
The Blues have played the other members of the big four at home this season but have only one point to show for it, from when they drew against United.
But defender Jose Bosingwa said the squad have been showing their determination to improve on
that record in training all week and have a plan in store to stop Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bosingwa said: “This week I have noticed a greater intensity in training at Chelsea. I have seen more energy in all my colleagues because we have a big match against United on Sunday which is vital for the League title and we want to win it.
“Some people are beginning to doubt our chances for the title but we want to leave Manchester proving that there is a lot still be to be decided.
“To stop Cristiano is not easy but at Chelsea there are people who know him well, including the manager — we know what to do stop him
Reader views (8)
Cole is a bit-part player and a bit-part performer, and Spurs should give him a big miss.
- Ted, London, 10/01/2009 13:31
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Dream on you spuds JC will go nowhere,have you not listened to LFS's interview today, plus he is a lifelong Chelsea fan and will be at the Bridge for life!!!!
- Pd.Bristol, Bristol England, 09/01/2009 18:35
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Come to Spurs Joe... we'll welcome you with open arms. You know it makes sense to play for Harry and his happy heroes.
- Paul Jardine, Bromley, Kent, 09/01/2009 16:57
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Cole has done zip this season, he is a lightweight. if you don't like it Jo, shove off, we will survive without you.
- Kerry Trubee, purley, 09/01/2009 16:37
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Harry, buy him. Buy him now! He's the most creative player England have got and he can play on the left.
- Colin, London, 09/01/2009 15:01
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joe should stay schlari only has a 2 year contract trouble that chelsea has an owner that has no clue or gives two hoots about the club and a chief exec that is his puppet joe cole means more to chelsea fans than schlori or deco
- Stu, woking surrey, 09/01/2009 13:29
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It blows my mind why Deco is starting games and staying on the field when his performances have been horrible. He is clearly playing below Cole yet favouritism keeps him on the pitch.
- Brandon Thomas, London UK, 09/01/2009 13:20
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Come back to West Ham, Joe.
- Stu, Beckton, 09/01/2009 11:33
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