EX-Chelsea Legend signs for the Tampa Bay Rowdies - What a player he was for us!

Joe Cole has announced that he is leaving these shores to head over to the North American Soccer League to sign for the Tampa Bay Rowdies next season. The three-time Premier League winner with Chelsea was one heck of our a player for our club and I just wanted to write a quick post to celebrate his time here.

Arguably one of the biggest talents in our game, Joe Cole was signed by Claudio Ranieri back in the 2003/4 season from West Ham as Roman Abramovich ploughed his money into turning the clubs fortunes around. Cole was to become an important part of the squad through the most successful period in our history. 

Joe Cole had everything and having a small frame as Eden Hazard has for example, with a low centre of gravity enabled him to turn and beat people with a drop of his shoulder and leave them for dead. An attacking midfielder who could pick and play a pass with ease, score goals and blessed with ability, Joe Cole played out the best years of his career at our club and is fondly remembered by all of us. 

For those who are not aware of how good he was for us, check out this video below:

Speaking of his move to the US this summer, Cole said:

'It’s a very exciting time for me. I’ve always envisaged playing in the United States at some point in my life and this opportunity came up.  

My family and I came out to visit a few months ago and everyone was lovely, they really made us feel welcomed. 

I’m really excited to get started and I want to be part of a successful team. My desire to win football matches is still there, I’m not coming for an extended holiday. 

I want to win football matches and of course experience a new lifestyle with my family, but the priority for me is success on the pitch.' 

I wish Joe Cole all the best and hope that one day, he takes up coaching because someone to be as blessed as he was at the game, to not be involved at all would be a real waste of talent.

"He's here, he's there, he's every fucking where, Joey Cole, Joey Cole!"