West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

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Cole points to Zola influence

30 Jan 2009 - 08:23:33

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West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has credited manager Gianfranco Zola for his new-found potency in front of goal.

Cole, 25, is currently in the midst of rich vein of form, having netted six goals in his last seven games.

The former England Under-21 international is benefiting from an uninterrupted run in the starting line-up, but the player himself credits the influence of the Italian coach.

"I have been playing the same all year, but now I am notching a few and that is all I was missing," he said.

"I am playing with more awareness now. The manager has made more effort to help me realise what is going on around me on the pitch.

"You need to follow your own instincts and you only get that when you play more games in the Premier League.

"I did a lot last season to warrant a place in the squad and I am just happy that everything is working out for me now and I am getting the goals this club deserves.

"However, I am not going to let it get to my head. I know what I am capable of and I just have to keep getting in the right positions."