Joe Cole

[LeeB]

one good thing I like about Joe Cole at least

Longer hair suits him.

[supertom]

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

Even at his best was Joe Cole really considered as some sort of midfield playmaker who can split defences with a killer ball, or keep hold of it and play the right ball?

Perhaps I'm misjudging him, but I always thought he was a tricksy show pony who could occasionally pull off spectacular goals, and maybe beat a few defenders through pure talent and skill, but not consistent, hard working or clever enough to make a difference over a season.

I'd agree he never particularly found a great deal of consistency, even at his best for West Ham (first time) and Chelsea, but he's that sort of mercurial player that isn't going to pull it out the bag every game. Of course that he doesn't really do any of the mucking in can often make him stand out negatively.
That said, I've always been a fan because when he's on it, he's a joy to watch.

Right now we've got a side packed with willing running and hard work. What we could probably do with is a little bit of potential brilliance somewhere in there. Zogbia can provide that. Cole can provide that. Benteke of course can but we'll miss him for half a season. If you want technical brilliance with consistency, the price is unfortunately well. well beyond us.
As we're shopping in the bins, we're left with a player like Joe Cole. Get him anywhere close to back to his best and he'll prove good value. I hope so.
Of course it never works out like this in football but it'd be nice that when Cole isn't producing, that Zogbia is and vice versa. We might just scrape through the season and get treated to some more inspiring stuff (certainly at Villa park).

[shaunreynolds]

He's going to "Supply the Bullets"!!
UTV

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-sign-joe-cole-7244800

[fbriai]

"I spoke to the gaffer and we have similar views on football. He didn’t need to sell the club but he explained what the view is for the future and, like I said, that was the main thing. When I spoke to the manager I knew I’d be signing.”

That definitely doesn't sound like we are going to be taken over any time soon.

[olaftab]

After a few transfer windows of asking "who?" We have moved onto to "why?". This is progress.

[LeeB]

After a few transfer windows of asking "who?" We have moved onto to "why?". This is progress.

I think we may have the odd "what!??!" soon.

[Fred]

He is creative and can pass the ball, but he is also 32 and prone to injury.
I think this is the best we can hope for at the moment and he may give us a year or two and make a diffrence in the midfield.

[hilts_coolerking]

He can cut out that "gaffer" shit straight away.  What does he think this is, a tenant farm?

[supertom]

He makes a hell of youtube vid it must be said.

He's been told he'll get played in his favoured position, which he never really got at West Ham. I hope that means we'll see him produce some quality, and I also hope it means that Lambert will re-adjust our style now that we have a number 10 on our books.
You don't lose skill and ability. It's still there with Cole. Hopefully his fitness holds up enough to get a decent amount of games out of him, and hopefully he can help add a bit of class and composure in the final third.

Worth a punt I think. But I've always been a Joe Cole fan, so I'm gonna say that.

[darren woolley]

If he stays fit he will be a good player for us welcome to Villa Joe.

[QBVILLA]

Fundamentally he is better than we already had, so it's a positive signing in my opinion. Yes he isn't as good as he was, but if he was he wouldn't be signing for us. Could have gone abroad for more money but has joined because he wants to play, that has to be good.

[DrGonzo]

  Fingers crossed, it could go one of 2 ways.  Intrigued by the playing in CM comment, maybe a shift of system too?  Whatever, I am not prepared to write him off without a chance.

[richardhubbard]

Could be a good punt, we got loads of pace up front with Weinmann, Gabby, Benteke but no won who can play the ball in to space.

We not a player like that since Merson..

[PeterWithesShin]

Shirt stretching time. Welcome Joe and good luck.

[richardhubbard]

Grealish can learn a lot from Joe Cole I see the sense in this signing .