Cole calls for collective spirit

Carlton Cole has spoken of the need for "everyone to pull in the same direction" before Saturday's match against Wigan Athletic.

The striker admitted he and the team were focused on getting the three points above all else this weekend after the disappointing showing at Liverpool. The England man said points more than performance are all that matter at the moment.

"We've tried to play pretty football but now I think we just need to play ugly football," Cole said. "I see it working for other teams in the top half of the league."

Cole is aware of the expectation on the players' shoulders and that they will not shirk the responsibility. He knows it is up to him and others to lift the team up the table.

"If we're playing well, the fans will be on our side. If we're not playing well, we don't deserve the fans to be on our side. That's how it is.

"The West Ham fans are passionate. They know what they want to see.

"We shouldn't be in the position we're in. Everyone needs to pull in the same direction.

"We need to work harder, give 100 per cent in training and it starts there. If training is sharp, we will get into good habits and be sharp in matches. That's where everyone needs to ask more from themselves, because training is really important.

"We all need to get on that training field and the pace has got to be up."