While it may seem unfair to name playmaker Joe Cole as a strange Aston Villa signing with his debut season yet to start, the reasons for the attacking-midfielder to actually be signed for the Midlands outfit are unknown. Cole was surplus to requirements with former side West Ham last season, and considering their need for goals and creativity in 2013/14, it speaks volumes that the Hammers would still leave him out. And yet, when he became available this summer, Villa had no hesitation in signing him, and heralding him as a great addition to the squad. While his experience will no doubt go some distance with the younger members of the squad, it's hard to see him having too much of a first-team impact after last year. In Coles last two Premier League campaigns, the former England international has amassed just over 1500 minutes of football, which equates to around 17 games. Considering he also turns 33 in a matter of months, why Aston Villa opted to sign Joe Cole doesnt make any sense at all. Whats even worse is that they gave him a two-year deal this summer, suggesting faith in his ability to make an instant mark in the first team.
Crippy Cooke, 23, is a freelance Football Writer contributing to What Culture. He's had work featured on Zoo, MSN, London 24, The Telegraph, The Huffington Post, and was recently named Writer of the Year on FTBpro - while also a nominee for Best Male Blog in the Football Blogging Awards.
