Former England international, Carlton Cole, has bagged his first coaching gig at ex-club, West Ham.
Cole, born to Nigerian parents, opted to represent the Three Lions during his 16-year career which ended in 2017.
A folk hero among the fanbase, the 35-year-old made another return to the club in an official capacity but this time, he’ll be working alongside a former teammates.
Cole first joined the club from Chelsea in 2006 and scored 59 goals in 237 appearances before departing.
He then re-joined a few months later when an injury crisis overcame Upton Park, signing on a three-month deal.
Now, Cole has been re-united with former teammate Jack Collison in the U18 setup at Chadwell Heath, where he will work alongside the former Hammer and fellow U18 coach Mark Phillips and act as a mentor to the youngsters coming through the Academy of Football.
Collison told the official Hammers website about Cole’s appointment: “Carlton has come back to the club and although he is fairly fresh in terms of his coaching, one thing you cannot teach is the years of experience he has of playing at the top level.
“To have his input and help in and around a few of our individuals will be massive.
“Coley was always such a massive character in the changing room and straight away he has brought in that positivity and that banter.
“Hopefully the boys will enjoy being around Coley, will build relationships with him and his positive influence and experience will rub off on them.”
