JOE COLE

Born: 8 November 1981, Paddington, London.
Former clubs: West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Lille

Hailed as one of the finest to ever graduate from West Ham United's academy, Joe Cole returned to his boyhood club 14 years after making his senior debut in claret and blue.

After racking up 126 appearances for the Hammers, Cole originally departed following the club's relegation in 2003 and went on to win no fewer than eight major trophies at Chelsea, before making the switch to Liverpool in 2010.

Famed for his technical brilliance and quick feet, Cole has also made 56 appearances for England and rejoins West Ham on an 18-month deal, where he is to wear the number 26 shirt, just as he did the first time round.

2012/13

Cole made an instant impact upon his return to the Boleyn Ground, weighing in with both assists in West Ham's 2-2 FA Cup with Budweiser draw with Manchester United. he would not have to wait long to score his first goal, as he netted a second-half equaliser in a 1-1 stalemate with Queens Park Rangers...Notched the second goal of his second spell in claret and blue in a valiant losing effort to Tottenham Hotspur on 25 February 2013.

International Career

Having diligently worked his way through England's youth set up, Cole was rewarded with a senior cap in May 2001 against Mexico. He has subsequently made 56 appearances, netting ten goals for the Three Lions in the process. Cole famously scored a stunning volley in England's 2-2 draw with Sweden at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Before West Ham

Joe Cole's first spell at the Boleyn Ground spanned from 1998 to 2003, during which time his mesmeric play helped West Ham win the FA Youth Cup in 1999 and saw the midfielder himself crowned Hammer of the Year in 2003.

Signed by Claudio Ranieri for £6.6 million in 2003 in the wake of West Ham's relegation, Cole soon became a central figure in Chelsea's dramatic rise to prominence. His seven seasons at Chelsea saw him decorated with every conceivable piece of domestic silverware. He racked up three Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups, as well as twice winning the FA Community Shield.

His stint at Stamford Bridge drew to a close in 2010, as Cole opted to join then Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson at Anfield. It was to prove an ill-fated switch as injuries conspired against him. He did, however, enjoy a season-long loan at Lille in 2011/12, making 42 appearances and scoring nine goals.

Ironically, Cole scored his first Premier League goal of the campaign at the Boleyn Ground, helping Liverpool to a 3-2 win. It was to be his last in a red shirt, as he completed his long-awaited return to east London.