Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Cole: I was rubbish

21 Jun 2007 - 09:36:44

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Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has admitted he was "rubbish" in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues and England left-back joined the club from Arsenal last summer, but struggled with injury and poor form and was restricted to just 23 Premier League starts.

The 26-year-old suffered a serious knee ligament injury in a match against Blackburn Rovers in January and was sidelined for two months.

Wayne Bridge was preferred in the left-back berth for the FA Cup final against Manchester United and Cole admitted his England colleague was the right choice for the Wembley showpiece.

However, Cole was a late substitute at Wembley despite claims he had been dropped by unhappy Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

"On the form Wayne showed he is in front of me," he admitted.

"I think it will be harder for me to get back into the team. I was rubbish last season and played nowhere near the level I can.

"I will have to fight for my place next season."