Source: Daily_Mail
Don't boo Ashley Cole on his big night, Kenny Sansom tells England fans
Kenny Sansom is not the slightest bit resentful that Ashley Cole is about to equal his 22-year-old record for the most capped England left-back of all time. [LNB]But Sansom would dearly love Cole's shirt as a souvenir from Tuesday's international against Montenegro. And there is one more request from the Arsenal legend. [LNB]Not another favour from man-of-the-moment Cole, who left the Gunners for Chelsea under controversial circumstances. Just a plea to the England supporters on this night of all nights: please do not boo one of England's greatest servants raise the rafters instead.[LNB] Level pegging: Kenny Sansom (left) is set to see his appearance record equalled by Ashley Cole[LNB]The jeers have been aimed at Cole many times, despite his hard work and consistency on England's behalf. Whether it was his defection to Stamford Bridge orhis wayward behaviour while hitched to one of the most popular women in Britain X-Factor's Cheryl Ashley will probably never win a popularity contest. [LNB]But Sansom believes it is time to give Cole a break. After all, everyone has their faults. For example, Sansom believes he could have played for his country more than one hundred times if the booze had not intervened. And he believes that Cole can still do more than that and challenge Peter Shilton as the most capped England player of all time. [LNB]'It would be crazy if the England fans boo Ashley on Tuesday,' said Sansom. 'Theyshould cheer him and it would be really nice if they did that. I'd certainly like them to.[LNB]'Ashley can go on to win more than 100 caps and he might even beat Peter Shilton's 125. He is only 29 and England play so many games these days. [LNB]'On Tuesday he will equal my 86 caps and good luck to him. Someone was going to do it and I am really pleased it's him because we followed similar paths, Crystal Palace then Arsenal.[LNB]'Why should I be sad about it? I have held the record for 22 years and I will still be in the top 10 most capped players. When you consider there are getting on for 2,000players who have represented England, that's not bad. Ashley should equal my 86 on Tuesday and beat it against France in the friendly in November.[LNB] 'If I'd been more professional at times and hadn't liked a drink, I would probably have gone on to play for England a hundred times too, just as I expect him to. But the drinking culture was already there at Arsenal when I joined.' [LNB]In time, Tony Adams came to personify that culture, though he was still a new kid on the block in Sansom's day. 'I told him, 'Tony, if you have a problem, don't worry, just panic'. He couldn't believe his captain was saying that. But what I meant was, 'Just give it to me'.'[LNB]And Sansom added: 'One thing that sticks in my mind is how fearless in the tackle Ashley was when he came back from a serious injury. And people should celebratehow much he loves his football that is why he has done so well, whatever was happening in his life. [LNB]'And he was once kind enough to say, 'If I was half as good as Kenny I'd be happy'.'[LNB]But Sansom, 52, would still like that symbolic shirt come Tuesday. 'I'd like him to write on it, 'To Kenny 86 Caps from Ashley Cole',' he said. [LNB]If Sansom's plea helps Cole to get a positive reception at Wembley, it will be the least he can do. This is Cole's chance to show some class off the field. He has shown plenty on it and, as Sansom says, we should all be grateful for that.[LNB][LNB] Explore more:People: Peter Shilton, Tony Adams, Ashley Cole Places: Montenegro, United Kingdom, France
