Joe Cole

[pauliewalnuts]

I can't work out why the 32 year old Joe Cole is past it and a bad signing whereas the 33 year old Gareth Barry would apparently be ideal.

For me, its because Barry isnt a crock. And Barry is just a better player all-round. Cole has the tricks but when does he use them. Seldom.

Exactly.

Barry and Hoolahan have both done the business very recently. Cole has looked past it for a long while now.

[Villafirst]

I can't work out why the 32 year old Joe Cole is past it and a bad signing whereas the 33 year old Gareth Barry would apparently be ideal.

Fitness is the key. If Cole stays fit it could be a good piece of business - at least we haven't paid a transfer fee. An upgrade on Hoolahan who is around the same age.

[Clampy]

Didn't Liverpool pay a fortune for him?

I think they had him on a free but it was (allegedly) about £90k a week

That's probably what i'm thinking of. I'm not sure what to make of it really. Like I suggested yesterday, it does kind of feel as if somebody else has come in and is making these signings. It's the complete opposite to what Lambert has done so far.

[rob_bridge]

I can't work out why the 32 year old Joe Cole is past it and a bad signing whereas the 33 year old Gareth Barry would apparently be ideal.

I am not sure if Cole is or isn't past it. There is little proof he is effective at the top level anymore

Barry certainly isn't past it as he proved last season.

Age is a somewhat irrelevant in this context.

Maldini was still exceptional at 37 whereas Michael Owen was practically a moribund duck at 27.

[Clampy]

I can't work out why the 32 year old Joe Cole is past it and a bad signing whereas the 33 year old Gareth Barry would apparently be ideal.

Fitness is the key. If Cole stays fit it could be a good piece of business - at least we haven't paid a transfer fee. An upgrade on Hoolahan who is around the same age.

That's a bit of a different viewpoint from yesterday calling Randy a 'clueless idiot'.

[rob_bridge]

If he is fit and if he is focused then it may well turn into a good signing. Time will tell.

[rob_bridge]

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

I'm only comparing his age, where Pirlo is the much older man
This is after you compared cole to a couple of 40 year olds who have both retired from the game

You might think your a smart arse with that quip, so be it

But 32 is not all that old for a footballer there are plenty about far older doing pretty decent jobs,
Whether Cole is good enough is another question, but his age is not all that bad,

Not at all, I'm merely stating that Joe Cole is not and nor has ever been, nor will he ever be as good as Pirlo.

His age isn't a problem, his fitness, form and attitude may well be.

[olaftab]

Age is a somewhat irrelevant in this context.

Maldini was still exceptional at 37 whereas Michael Owen was practically a moribund duck at 27.

is the correct answer.

[malckennedy]

Maybe I'm too easily hopeful, but so far this summer I'm happy with all business done or nearly done.

Senderos - improves the squad
Cole - improves the squad
Keane - improves the management/coaching team
Albrighton to Leicester - improves the squad

Was very downhearted as last season drew to a feeble close, but glad I've renewed ST.

[Chris Jameson]

Jonathon Wilkes currently having a medical.

[Holte L2]

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.

Exactly.  If we can keep him fit it could prove to be a masterstroke.  Pretty imaginative under the circumstances.  If he's taking a massive pay cut it's hardly a big gamble.

[Holte L2]

Maybe I'm too easily hopeful, but so far this summer I'm happy with all business done or nearly done.

Senderos - improves the squad
Cole - improves the squad
Keane - improves the management/coaching team
Albrighton to Leicester - improves the squad

Was very downhearted as last season drew to a feeble close, but glad I've renewed ST.

I'm always glad to renew.  Sometimes we dont realise how lucky we are to be in a position where we can afford to watch our team on a weekly basis.

Profound statement over.

[Gerrin]

I can live with Cole, he's free and I think in a midfield 3 playing slightly ahed of Westy and Delph it would be an improvement. My main concern is that the current transfer policy is heading towards signing Shola Ameobi who is also available for free.

[supertom]

We'd be pretty unfortunate if between Cole and N'Zogbia we can't go some way to improving our creativity this season.

[Olneythelonely]

If this is a bit of experienced cover for the first team and we still have a bit of money to spend, I can live with it.

Why do people keep saying "glad I didn't renew" like it's some sort of badge of honour?