The days of Carlton Cole banging in the goals for West Ham United may be long gone but, make no mistake, the Premier League hitman of the past is doing his level best to ensure a brighter future in claret and blue.
Seven-time England international Cole returned to his old employers back in 2018 with a role in the academy set-up.
These days, his role is that of the club’s Loan Manager.
In short, it is Carlton Cole’s job to map out the futures of West Ham United’s brightest young talents, arranging the loan spells required to bridge the gap between academy football and the senior game.
And considering how many of West Ham’s fresh-faced prospects have performed this season away from the London Stadium, Cole is one of very few at the London Stadium who can pat himself on the back and toast a job very well done during an otherwise poor season.
Callum Marshall claimed Huddersfield Town’s Player of the Year award last week.
Patrick Kelly won the League Two title with Doncaster Rovers. A tigerish, energetic presence at the heart of Grant McCann’s table-topping midfield. Portsmouth coach John Mousinho is convinced Freddie Potts will be battling for a spot in Graham Potter’s West Ham plans as early as next term.
As for perhaps the jewel of The Hammers’ current youth crop, George Earthy will be given the chance to impress Potter in pre-season. The manager told him as much during the 20-year-old schemer’s recent visit to the training ground.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty ImagesWest Ham starlet George Earthy reflects on ‘unbelievable’ Bristol City season
George Earthy won Bristol City’s Young Player of the Year award ahead of the 2-2 final day draw with Preston North End. That, however, may not be the only prize he gets his mitts upon.
There is the small matter of Premier League promotion at hand.
Perennially mid-table Bristol City secured a play-off spot for the first time in 17 years, when Earthy was only just heading towards nursery school age, and their two-legged semi-final will kick off with a visit of Sheffield United to Ashton Gate on Thursday evening.
“I think it’s obviously unbelievable,” Earthy beams, already counting down the minutes until kick-off and hoping for a repeat of that jubilant, final day pitch invasion. “Everyone involved with the club [is] absolutely buzzing. Its such a good result for the club. Everyone is over the moon.
“It’s something I think everyone will remember for the rest of their lives. It’s something special. it just shows what it means for this club to get into the play-offs!”
Earthy only started 11 Championship matches out of a possible 46.
But, coming off the bench 26 times, the skilful England Under-21 international became an invaluable member of former Hammers youth coach Liam Manning’s squad.
Without his equaliser at Queens Park Rangers or his match-winning late brace against Middlesbrough, eternal bridesmaid’s Bristol City might once again have been denied the chance to walk down the aisle.
Finally, it is their turn to catch the bouquet.
“Obviously, [I am] so delighted to contribute and kind of help the team,” Earthy adds when asked about his Young Player of the Year gong. “Getting the award, yeah, really proud.
“We’re not done just yet! A massive two more games to go. I am just buzzing the season is not over now. We can push on and go for it.”