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Joe Cole poised to join the Tampa Bay Rowdies from Coventry Joe Cole to join the Tampa Bay Rowdies from Coventry at end of season
(about 7 hours later)
The former England international Joe Cole is poised to join the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The former England international Joe Cole said he is looking forward to a new challenge after signing for the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Tony Mowbray, the Coventry manager, has confirmed Cole will leave the Ricoh Arena and move to the North American Soccer League in the United States when his contract expires in the summer. The 34-year-old joined Coventry on a free transfer from Aston Villa in January. The 34-year-old, who joined Coventry on a free transfer from Aston Villa in January, will join the club in the North American Soccer League – a level below Major League Soccer (MLS) – when his contract expires in the summer.
“Joe’s going to join Tampa Bay and it might happen pretty quickly if he can get international clearance etc,” Mowbray told the Coventry Telegraph. “I would have liked to have kept Joe who I think has proven his fitness and worth to the team. He’s a fantastic character around our building – no airs and graces, not looking for favours or extra days off. “I’ve always envisaged playing in the United States at some point in my life,” said Cole.
“He’s a top guy and he has shown his football ability. It’s come probably a little bit late in the day that I have felt as if I could trust him to play in the centre of midfield alongside John Fleck.” “My family and I came out to visit a few months ago and everyone was lovely. They really made us feel welcomed.
“I’m really excited. My desire to win football matches is still there. I’m not coming for an extended holiday.”
Coventry manager Tony Mowbray added: “I would have liked to have kept Joe who I think has proven his fitness and worth to the team. He’s a fantastic character around our building – no airs and graces, not looking for favours or extra days off. He’s a top guy and he has shown his football ability.”
Cole joined Coventry initially on loan in October and has made 22 appearances, scoring twice, for the League One club. He also won the FA Cup three times during his eight-year spell at Chelsea after starting his career at West Ham United and made 56 appearances for England.Cole joined Coventry initially on loan in October and has made 22 appearances, scoring twice, for the League One club. He also won the FA Cup three times during his eight-year spell at Chelsea after starting his career at West Ham United and made 56 appearances for England.