Carlton Cole travels to his previous club Chelsea for the
first time tomorrow since he decided to swap South London for East
back in the summer.
The Hammers striker admits he hasn't been asked for any tips or hints on his former team-mates yet, but feels there is not a lot he could say that most people don't already know about the Premiership Champions.
"Well everyone knows what Chelsea is about - there are not many secrets about them - but if the Gaffer or the other lads want any specific tips about anyone I will obviously be happy to assist!" he says.
"It is pretty hard to find weaknesses in that team, to be honest, they have been flying since they suffered defeat at Tottenham. They have got quality players for every position plus back-up so it's going to be a difficult test for us, but if we turn in a similar performance as we did against Arsenal then there is no reason why we can't cope with what they throw at us and give a bit back."
Coley came through the Youth Academy ranks at Stamford Bridge, so will always regard the club highly, and will also be chomping at the bit to play a substantial role in tomorrow's game.
"I spent 10 years there and learned my football there so I will always have a soft spot for the club," he says. "I have nothing but good memories of my time there and it's going to be a nice feeling going back to Stamford Bridge as I still have a lot of friends there. I admit it will be a bit strange being in the away changing room there for the first time though!
"It would be quality to be involved tomorrow, or even better to get a start against my old club, but that is obviously up to the gaffer. I know I will get a good reception from both sets of fans if I do get on the pitch and that will spur me on to do well in the match.
"I obviously haven't been involved as much as I would have liked but I have just kept working hard in training to improve all aspects of my game and I will wait patiently for my opportunity.
"I am fit and raring to go and the manager knows I won't let him down if I get to play tomorrow but there are four other fit, quality strikers to compete with so I will just have to wait and see."
By Miranda Nagalingam
The Hammers striker admits he hasn't been asked for any tips or hints on his former team-mates yet, but feels there is not a lot he could say that most people don't already know about the Premiership Champions.
"Well everyone knows what Chelsea is about - there are not many secrets about them - but if the Gaffer or the other lads want any specific tips about anyone I will obviously be happy to assist!" he says.
"It is pretty hard to find weaknesses in that team, to be honest, they have been flying since they suffered defeat at Tottenham. They have got quality players for every position plus back-up so it's going to be a difficult test for us, but if we turn in a similar performance as we did against Arsenal then there is no reason why we can't cope with what they throw at us and give a bit back."
Coley came through the Youth Academy ranks at Stamford Bridge, so will always regard the club highly, and will also be chomping at the bit to play a substantial role in tomorrow's game.
"I spent 10 years there and learned my football there so I will always have a soft spot for the club," he says. "I have nothing but good memories of my time there and it's going to be a nice feeling going back to Stamford Bridge as I still have a lot of friends there. I admit it will be a bit strange being in the away changing room there for the first time though!
"It would be quality to be involved tomorrow, or even better to get a start against my old club, but that is obviously up to the gaffer. I know I will get a good reception from both sets of fans if I do get on the pitch and that will spur me on to do well in the match.
"I obviously haven't been involved as much as I would have liked but I have just kept working hard in training to improve all aspects of my game and I will wait patiently for my opportunity.
"I am fit and raring to go and the manager knows I won't let him down if I get to play tomorrow but there are four other fit, quality strikers to compete with so I will just have to wait and see."
By Miranda Nagalingam