Former Hammer Cole envious of London Stadium

The London Stadium has not exactly brought West Ham home comforts so far this season, but former England international Joe Cole admits he is envious not to have had his chance at Hammers HQ.

After a sluggish start to the season, many pointed at the finger of the new home for some disappointing results, notably a 3-0 defeat to Southampton.

And a 5-1 defeat to London rivals Arsenal also proved a bitter pill to swallow for a side who reached the Europa League stages last season.

But with almost 60,000 fans forever blowing bubbles, Cole feels it is an opportunity he would have undoubtedly relished.

Now plying his trade with Tampa Bay Rowdies in Florida, the 35-year-old began his career in the Hammers in the youth setup, also returning for a one-season spell in 2013-14, though he didn’t get a chance to run out at the home of the London 2012 Olympics.

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

“I think it is an amazing stadium and it looks immense. I was getting an itch just looking out at the pitch and would love to have been out there playing,” he said.

“When you come to a new stadium you are going to have some little problems, but this is forward thinking by West Ham United and this is 100 per cent the right thing to do. With a few more good results I am sure it will begin to feel like home.

“It is amazing that West Ham are playing at such a big venue like London Stadium. It was amazing for me to play at Upton Park and it was special in it’s own right. But time waits for no-one and West Ham have now got the capabilities to compete with the biggest teams in the world.

“It is exciting times for the club and West Ham can now compete with the top teams financially.

“You can see Champions League football being played at London Stadium. If you are honest, you probably couldn’t see that happening at Upton Park.”