Source: Daily_Mail
Hammers striker Carlton Cole is now timing his moves perfectly
Get serious: Zola has worked hard to refine Cole's game and help him redefine his life off the field.[LNB] Carlton Cole was early for his date with the media yesterday. It isonly a small point but a significant one for a player who once turnedup at half-time to play in a reserve game.[LNB] He also incurred the wrath of Fabio Capello when late on Englandduty following his first call-up to the squad. Timekeeping is still nothis greatest strength but the West Ham striker is working on it, justas he has worked on a lot of things during the last 12 months.[LNB] 'When you come to England, you've got to be punctual,' said Cole.'It's your neck, you know. Fabio doesn't stand for it and he'llembarrass you in front of your team-mates.[LNB] 'It is true I once turned up for a game at half-time and I'm notproud of it. That's all behind me now. I wasn't professional enoughback then and I didn't take my football seriously enough.'[LNB] West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has worked hard to refine Cole's game and help him redefine his life off the field.[LNB] Spurs sign former Hammers keeper Jimmy Walker on free transferWelcome to Wayne's world: Leading role is Rooney's goal for club and country[LNB] 'It's a new dawn for me,' said the 25-year-old. 'I've come to terms with how to conduct myself. It was just about growing up really.[LNB] 'Everyone comes to a point in their life where they have to knuckle down. I became a father last year and that had a significant role, too. I have a big chance here to better myself and make everyone who has faith in me proud.'[LNB] Cole was earmarked for greatness when he came through Chelsea's youth ranks. Claudio Ranieri threw him into the first team and dubbed him his lion, but Roman Abramovich's arrival halted the progress.[LNB] 'Abramovich came in and signed all these multimillion pound players and it pushed me out,' said Cole. 'I had to go out on loan and I was peed off about it. [LNB]'Being young I didn't see the bigger picture. I didn't take it seriously. I'd go on loan saying it doesn't matter because I'll go back to Chelsea and make a go of it. 'Then I went on loan again in the season after and it was hard to stomach.'[LNB] Ironically, one of Chelsea's big signings, Didier Drogba, has become a mentor for Cole. There are similarities in their play and the fact that Drogba was in his mid-20s before he played at his best.[LNB] 'I talk to Didier a lot about his game,' said Cole. 'How he holds the ball, attacks players and the way he runs. He is brilliant, world-class. Every time he goes on the field he knows he's going to cause havoc for defenders.[LNB] 'He's my inspiration. I've seen the pattern of his life, the way it changed, and I want to get up there to where he is one day.'[LNB] With improved application and preparation has come better form. Cole scored 12 goals last season and opened his account for this campaign with a screamer against Tottenham, in front of Capello.[LNB] Cole was ready to play for Nigeria last season, only for FIFA to block the move. With Emile Heskey struggling for an Aston Villa place, Cole has the chance to become England's centre forward in a World Cup season. His timing could not be better. [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Gianfranco Zola, Fabio Capello, Roman Abramovich, Emile Heskey, Didier DrogbaPlaces:United Kingdom, Nigeria
