Hammer falls on Upton trio

23 May 2014 18:01

West Ham have confirmed the imminent departures of former England midfielder Joe Cole, defender George McCartney and midfielder Jack Collison.

The trio will leave Upton Park on June 30 on the expiration of their current contracts.

"West Ham United would like to thank Joe, George and Jack for their considerable efforts and contribution to the success of the club in recent seasons and wish them well in their future careers," a statement read on the club's official website.

Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and midfielder Matt Taylor are continuing negotiations over new contracts.

Cole, a West Ham academy product, was regarded as one of the most gifted players of his generation, but revealed his impending departure last week.

He left for Chelsea in 2003 and won three Premier League titles during a spell when he became an England regular but injuries saw him fall down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

A move to Liverpool in 2010 failed to reignite his career but he enjoyed a successful loan spell with Lille before going back to Upton Park.

The 32-year-old returned to his first club on an 18-month deal in January 2013 but played only a bit-part role in the season just concluded.

He moves on having not started a game in the Barclays Premier League since scoring in the 3-3 draw with West Brom last December.

Source: PA