Will a West Ham return provide a fresh start for Joe Cole? (Video)

After almost a decade away, Joe Cole has made his return to West Ham.  But where exactly does he fit into Sam Allardyce’s plans?

Cole first left Upton Park in 2003 to join the Hammers’ rivals Chelsea.  Whilst the move may not have been popular with West Ham fans, the midfielder enjoyed great success with the west London side, winning three Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups. 

He left Stamford Bridge for Anfield in 2010, where he was regarded as a major coup by then-Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson.  His time with the Reds was comparatively unsuccessful to the rest of his career, as he made just 43 appearances for the club, many of which as a substitute. This total was only one more than the number of times he represented Lille during a season-long loan that interrupted his first and last season on Merseyside.  He scored three goals in France and only managed the same number for Liverpool last month, as he scored an equaliser at Upton Park against his boyhood club and his new team-mates.

Cole’s best goals per game ratio, however, is with the national team.  Representing the Three Lions 56 times, he scored 10 goals in an England shirt and despite not being considered for selection since 2010, when he was part of the squad that travelled to the World Cup in South Africa his new manager Sam Allardyce believes Cole now has a great opportunity to regain his place in the side. Having signed him whilst at Liverpool, Roy Hodgson clearly sees something in the skilful midfielder.

Having returned home to West Ham, can Joe Cole rediscover the form that once attracted global attention?

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