Hammers legend believes in Joe Cole's quality (From Thurrock Gazette)

Julian Dicks on Joe Cole at West Ham

11:00am Saturday 12th January 2013 in Sport

WEAT HAM: Hammers Legend Julian Dicks has been singing the praises of Joe Cole.

Didks said: "Joe Cole was breaking into the first team at West Ham when I was there and I think it’s great he’s back at the club.

"He’s a fantastic player and he’s what West Ham needs because he brings some creativity.

"I think he made his debut for West Ham in the FA Cup, and I think it was against Swansea.

"I played in that team with him that day, and although I didn’t go on to play many games with him I could see the potential he had as a young man.

"Personally, I don’t think he’s fulfilled the potential he had back then as a 16 or 17 years old. He was quite small and, for me, he needed to be more aggressive in his game, but he had all the ability.

"I played with Gazza, and he was exceptional, but Joe could have been nearly as good as that, and although he went on to play for some big clubs I think he should have been an England international regular throughout his career.

"Marouane Chamakh has also come to West Ham from Arsenal on loan, but I’m am still reserving judgement on him as a player. "I’ve seen him have some good games, but I’ve seen him play very poorly too.

It has not helped him not playing week-in and week-out, but hopefully he'll get his chance at West Ham and do the business for us.