Joe Cole

[tomd2103]

After the intial surprise, I had started to come round to the idea of signing Joe Cole (could offer us something different in a position which we have struggled to find someone).  Then I read that he has signed a two-year deal and I'm left wondering when we are ever going to learn.  He probably wouldn't have signed for anything less, but that in itself should have been a clue. 

[Ian.]

It says something when a Bury fan comes into work and the first thing he does is take the piss out of a Villa signing...

The thing is though its not like some of the signings us and others have made over the years with Free Transfers, he's accepted a pretty modest wage. I reckon that says he's here to play football and not sit back and take a salary. It's a good move I reckon.

More likely 'any port in storm' situation. He is not exactly likely to be offered similar wages to his current package anywhere.

I hope he comes in and helps the team pick up a few extra points. However it's Villa so I guess he will have the same impact as Mr Ireland.

I disagree I actually think Cole likes and wants to play football where as Ireland stated in that interview that football is a job and a good income to pay for a expensive lifestyle. Cole probably could have got offers elsewhere too, it's very early days in yet for teams to be shopping for players.

[malckennedy]

It says something when a Bury fan comes into work and the first thing he does is take the piss out of a Villa signing...

Quite simply, your colleague is a dick. At 32 and on a free transfer this may be a really effective signing. He either enjoys winding you up or has missed the number of mature (older than Cole) players who are still major players in the Premier League and for their countries.

[garyshawsknee]

I'm sure he could've earned far more in the States and rode his career out like Defoe and Beckham did. If he is used wisely could be a good addition, with what's been going on the last few weeks and months you gotta try and see the positive i suppose.

[PaulWinch again]

Good luck Joe, hope you can offer us something we're missing.

[not3bad]

I'm sure he could've earned far more in the States and rode his career out like Defoe and Beckham did. If he is used wisely could be a good addition, with what's been going on the last few weeks and months you gotta try and see the positive i suppose.

Hopefully he'll feel like he's got something to prove... old & hungry if you will.

[old man villa fan]

Whether he turns out to be a success will depend on (a) his attitude and (b) playing to his strengths.  Belting the ball from defence into space up front will be of absolutely no use with Cole or anybody else that is there at the present for that matter.

[Big Dick Edwards]

Whether he turns out to be a success will depend on (a) his attitude and (b) playing to his strengths.  Belting the ball from defence into space up front will be of absolutely no use with Cole or anybody else that is there at the present for that matter.

...and whether he can stay fit for any length of time.

[E I Adio]

Just got around to reading today's Fiver:

"Any lingering hopes Randy Lerner had of selling Aston Villa have been spectacularly torpedoed by Ambitious Paul’s signing of former footballer Joe Cole, who joins Philippe Senderos among the Villa Park debris."

Quite kind for The Fiver I thought.

[Clark W Griswold]

Just got around to reading today's Fiver:

"Any lingering hopes Randy Lerner had of selling Aston Villa have been spectacularly torpedoed by Ambitious Paul’s signing of former footballer Joe Cole, who joins Philippe Senderos among the Villa Park debris."

Quite kind for The Fiver I thought.

Definately a funny way of putting it but i hope (and wouldn't be overly surprised) if at least one of them make them eat their words.

[malckennedy]

Just got around to reading today's Fiver:

"Any lingering hopes Randy Lerner had of selling Aston Villa have been spectacularly torpedoed by Ambitious Paul’s signing of former footballer Joe Cole, who joins Philippe Senderos among the Villa Park debris."

Quite kind for The Fiver I thought.

Very clever in a "Have I got news for you" way. However, the witty person from The Guardian who wrote it misses the point that the ins and outs at VP have improved the squad. We all know that we're in a mess, but the picture is better now than in May.

[IAmTheOneIanOlney]

Joe Cole will be able to control the ball from a throw-in. For that alone, he'll improve things immeasurably.

[PaulWinch again]

Well he's been told he'll play in centre mid.

[silhillvilla]

If it means the end of KEA in the middle then it's a positive .

[dl9]

Haven't been on here for a while since leaving early at White Hart Lane for the last game, however had to laugh yesterday when hearing the news of Joe Cole signing.

Wtf is this all about. If he'd have signed for Brentford or Charlton I wouldn't have been surprised but with us being the shambles that we are I just laughed. Shit season, shit players! Why not sign some really old extra shit ones to go with them.

Nearly as funny as the folk on here talking up his signing "England International Joe Cole" it proclaims on the avfc.co.uk site. Ha, brilliant. 10 years ago possibly, but now he wouldn't get into my Monday night 7 a side team, then again, neither would most of the shite we have currently. Ah well, I'm off to Brazil on Sunday so who cares. Lets see if we've signed Shaun Derry and any other grey haired pensioner by the time I get back.