I saw this post on the Stop! Hammertime! Facebook Page and thought it deserved a wider audience. It’s by Jim Dean Dolan, who wants to applaud the loyalty of Carlton Cole.
You hear the question “Where’s the loyalty in football nowadays?” and with good reason. The season we were relegated, Scott Parker was the pride of the East End. He was every West Ham fan’s hero and could do no wrong. I’d wager he could ask for the shirt off of any fan’s back and get it within seconds. We loved him and we thought he’d forever be a legend to us. However, he was given an easy way out of the Championship as well as European football with Spurs and was gone in a flash.
“Where’s the loyalty in football nowadays?” we’d ask ourselves again. Conversely, Carlton Cole was offered £60k a week to transfer to Stoke. He turned it down flat stating “It was us, the players, who got us into this mess so it’s down to the players to get us out of it.” Little did we know but not only did he turn down a pay rise to leave but he also took a 50% pay cut to stay and fight the good fight.
In that season in the Championship he scored 15 goals. Correct me if I’m wrong but that made him joint top goal scorer with Nolan. Those goals – including one in the playoff final – ensured an immediate return to the Premier League.
On our return to the top flight he found himself playing second fiddle…actually probably fourth fiddle, but he stayed. He stayed to be with the club he loves as much as you and I do. Eventually he was released but, as soon as our new, improved and upgraded striker was injured he was recalled back into the fold and returned gladly – although a little out of shape.
And so it has been that whenever the most recent flavour of the month falls off a barstool or twists their ankle on the way out of a kebab shop, Carlton is there to step up.
Last year in the limited chances he had, he had the eighth best goals:minutes ratio in the entire Premier League. Whenever we’ve needed him most, he’s stepped up.
Consider the above. Consider the comments about Cole on this page. And consider: Where’s the loyalty in football nowadays?
Is he frustratingly inconsistent? Yes! Do we wish he’d score more frequently? Yes! Do we wish he’d learn to control a ball? F*** yes!
But does he also deserve a lot more respect than some give him? Yes. Yes he does. I don’t think he’s a world beater. I don’t think the history books are going to have volumes on the great Carlton Cole. But he plays for us and he’s ONE of us! When we’ve needed him, he’s been there. So before wishing him off for the next mercenary, please take a moment to remember that.
Where is the loyalty in football nowadays?
Quite. There aren’t many Carltons left in top flight football nowadays.