Hodgson brings Joe Cole to Anfiled

Hodgson's high profiled signing, Joe Cole

The post Rafa era has begun. Roy Hodgson successfully shrugged off stiff competition from his arch-rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in pursuing his first major signing, Joe Cole. Cole has signed for a 4 year deal with the reds as a free agent from Chelsea. He is expected to earn 80,000 pounds a week. Cole is all set to wear the coveted jersey number 7, which was once worn by a famous Kop player, Kenny Daglish.

An Ex West Ham and Chelsea player preferred Liverpool aptly for footballing reasons, and has not been lured by money alone, says the Anfield boss Roy Hodgson. Roy seems to be delighted to get his man as he targeted him during his coaching tenure at Fulham too but was unable to sign him.

Cole had been frustrated in the latter half of the premiership last season as he did not get a chance to start during his post Ancelloti days at Chelsea, and was mostly in the bench. As a result of which he opted out of the Chelsea team after they won the Premiership title. He was in search of a good team which would give him an opportunity to start and also let him play in his favourite position of Central midfield. Liverpool met all his criteria and the wonderful rich history of Liverpool was something he could not ignore when the opportunity of joining the Kop came knocking at his doorstep.

Cole’s arrival at Anfield had some added benefits to the club as Gerrard committed his future to Liverpool amid wide speculations that Real Madrid wants his signature for the upcoming season.

Each and every person related to the club was ecstatic over his signing and sent best wishes to Cole. Even veteran player like Ian Rush was happy with Cole as an Anfield player. Other players like Gerrard , Carragher and Reina felt that he would deliver the much needed impetus in the team. Gerrard even went a step ahead by saying, “he is as good as Messi”.

The prospect of Cole at Anfield allows Fernando Torres to play with more freedom upfront, as Cole can play a supporting role to him, wide left, right, or his favourite position central midfield. He is a versatile addition to the squad. The fans at Liverpool expect Cole to shine in the new attire of Liverpool and bring the glory days back which they have been waiting for many years now.