Carlton Cole has defended the enjoyment of watching West Ham in the Championship, answering Jamie O’Hara with a pointed Tottenham comparison.
The former Hammers striker joined O’Hara for a debate on whether winning in the second tier beats struggling in the Premier League.
talkSPORT’s podcast listing dates the discussion to Friday 2 October.
Cole’s position was clear. In comments reported by Hammers News, he said: “No, I’d rather win every week in the Championship”.
Carlton Cole puts West Ham enjoyment first
For supporters, there is a distinction between wanting Premier League football and enjoying the route back.
West Ham’s 6-0 victory over Wrexham provided precisely the kind of afternoon that makes Cole’s argument understandable. Goals and convincing wins give fans something tangible to enjoy.
That does not make promotion any less important. Nor does enjoying this season mean accepting a prolonged stay outside the top flight.
Teddy Sheringham has already warned against assuming West Ham will dominate the division, providing a useful counterweight to the optimism.
Our view: Cole’s argument works best as a comment on the matchgoing experience. Supporters can relish a convincing victory without lowering their expectations for the club.
The challenge for West Ham is to turn those enjoyable afternoons into a successful promotion campaign.
