Cole Joins Charlton

Last updated : 20 August 2003 By Rich Godden
Cole had fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea, with the likes of JFH, Mikael Forssell, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Adrian Mutu all ahead of him. And we could soon be adding Hernan Crespo to that list.

So, in order to gain more first team experience, Carlton will be plying his trade at the Valley this season.

Trevor Birch revealed "Carlton has a big future at Chelsea and this is a wonderful opportunity for him to improve his education.

"We are taking advantage of the new rules which allow loans between Premiership clubs to give Carlton some regular Premier League football.

"That is the level at which we want him this season, and we are sure he'll come back at the end a better player."

With all the strikers at the club, it is indeed the best thing for Carlton. And let's face it, Alan Curbishley is a quality manager and he will make Carlton a better player. Let's just hope he doesn't score against us though!