Joe Cole

[Ron Manager]

Given the state we're in, I'll take it and he'll have something to prove. Better than Carlton. Had a horrible feeling I'd spot Lambert scouting at Socceraid last night and we'd end up with Jamie Theakston, also out of work.

and unfit!....mind you Jaap Stam still looked good and Edgar Davids covered every blade of the pitch.

Get them in as well!

[Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle]

I think its a great move. With the club in limbo we have to cut our cloth accordingly. I'm happy with Cole and Senderos who maybe past their best (we'll see about that) but whose experience will do nothing but good.

[Dave]

I'll add another positive, this new approach does suggest that Lambert realises that his previous approach isn't working as it should and that he needs to try something different.

That may seem very obvious to us, but if McLeish or O'Neill were still here then I've no doubt that they would still be smashing their heads into the same brick wall as before, assuming that something would just change.

[fbriai]

I've always had a soft spot for him. Think he will do well for us.

[DrGonzo]

At least he is making all the the right noises, it's "not about finances", and he just "wants to play football and compete".
  On his day a gifted footballer capable of the sublime, the only question being whether we will see many of those days, file under Ginola.

[Walmley_Villa]

IF (with caps) they can integrate the likes of Cole/Senderos/Nzog and even Bent in with the youngsters and getting them playing anywhere near a decent level it must make us a better proposition than last season? With Benteke, Okore and Kozak back we no longer look as much of a Championship team as we did. We would even have a bit of depth. I just hope that we give the youngsters a chance to - Robinson, Grealish etc as they could be the future.

I've actually typed myself into feeling a bit better about next season now!

[Holte L2]

Really hope it works out. Really had a soft spot for him over the years.  Bold move.

[nigel]

Really hope it works out. Really had a soft spot for him over the years.  Bold move.

I agree, Holte L2, it is a pretty bold signing.

Most of these comments could have also applied to the 2 alcoholics on their last legs who signed for us, Messrs McGrath and Merson.
They didn't turn out that bad.

[john e]

Given the state we're in, I'll take it and he'll have something to prove. Better than Carlton. Had a horrible feeling I'd spot Lambert scouting at Socceraid last night and we'd end up with Jamie Theakston, also out of work.

and unfit!....mind you Jaap Stam still looked good and Edgar Davids covered every blade of the pitch.

Get them in as well!

I know you were only joking but David's and stam are 41,and retired

Cole is near on 10 years younger, there are a few players in the World Cup squad who are older,
Prilo for instance is 35 and we are all shitting bricks about him, so your jokey comparison is irrelevant

I've always like joe cole and think if we use him correctly could be worth watching and you can't say that about many of the others

[rob_bridge]

I am sorry but any comparison between Pirlo and Joe Cole, regardless of age should stop now.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

Really? Fuck me.

So happy I haven't renewed.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

Didn't he struggle to get in a shit West Ham side who couldn't score any goals?

[kippaxvilla2]

I like Cole as long as he can stay fit and that is the issue. 

I think the thing we need to realise is that anyone of this sort of age bracket that is still considered to be worth a punt will not be coming to Villa Park this summer.  In that bracket I place Barry, Lescott etc.  So this is the choice we are left with.  At the moment.

[FranzBiberkopf]

Never really rated him in the past.

BUT, in the current circumstances, its a decent enough move.

[ROBBO]

Lambert has probably come out of this with his reputation in tact but i still can't fathom Lerners decision making in all this, as he got anything right? including the decision to buy us in the first place.