Ashley Cole

[manpe 10,861]

Feel sorry for him. He's been a fantastic servant for us and now suddenly we must believe he's so bad he can't get a game over an overused right-back in his position? I'm not having any of that. And then the club have the cheek to offer him a new contract, when they know fully well he's not gonna sign it, but at least then they can point the finger at Cole and say "we wanted him to stay, but he didn't want to stay". Basically being pushed out just like Mata.

[Blue Armour 4,312]

Feel sorry for him. He's been a fantastic servant for us and now suddenly we must believe he's so bad he can't get a game over an overused right-back in his position? I'm not having any of that. And then the club have the cheek to offer him a new contract, when they know fully well he's not gonna sign it, but at least then they can point the finger at Cole and say "we wanted him to stay, but he didn't want to stay". Basically being pushed out just like Mata.

Have to admit,I feel exactly the same. I thought Cole has looked much brighter in the few chances that he has been given in 2014, and really thought he could do job for us in this match.

Cesar tries really hard, but I think the lack of squad rotation from Mourinho could result in him in having a burn out like Willian and Hazard had in the 2nd half

[Sidzeret 2,257]

I think if we do get Shaw or Rodriguez the best thing to do would be keep Ash around for another season to deputize at the left back role and as someone to tutor Shaw/Rodriguez could you ask for a better teacher for brighter talents?

He is gonna be an expensive teacher. And I reckon he won't appreciate being second choice.

[Jase 43,479]

Ashley's ready! Cole's lack of football at Chelsea can benefit England, Jose tells Roy

[The_Flash 1,144]

Will he ever get to play?

[iceman 329]

how much better Aspi than Ashley? no better

[Muzchap 8,966]

I think you all forget just how 'knack erred' Cole is...

It was either last year, or the year before that Ray Wlkins said - after a game Ashley can hardly walk and has ice bags on his ankle and legs for 24-48 hours after a game.

He said it was unbelievable he was still playing and it was all done through 'heart' alone.

So kudos to Ashley - but maybe his body is just giving up... Why are we all so quick to point fingers at suspicion and people being forced out? A few World Cup games in a hot climate is not the same as runnning around in Winter

Good luck to Ashley with whatever happens next - but I certainly don't see him being forced out. The club have a policy on older players and they have to stick to it - otherwise we risk exposing ourselves with FFP ....

[Blue Armour 4,312]

how much better Aspi than Ashley? no better

Azpi, playing on the left hand side and getting tired after starting every game is not much better, yes.

Cole should be playing more, now that's he getting sufficient rest.

[Thomas Williams 166]

I still think a fresh azpi is better than a current fresh Cole, even on the left. I agree we should rotate more though.

[Gilvorak 3,734]

Ash having a hell of a game so far. Just laid the ball on a plate for Sterling only for him to bottle it from 2 yards out.

Shame he can't buy a game anymore.

[Tomo 21,733]

Ash having a hell of a game so far. Just laid the ball on a plate for Sterling only for him to bottle it from 2 yards out.

Shame he can't buy a game anymore.

Is that why he is playing well tho? His 2 best displays this season (Stoke and so far tonight) have came when he hadn't previously played for weeks.

[MrExcalibur100 7,124]

Still a quality player. I know the back four is settled now, but Cole can be given a look-in verses the relegation fodder and defensive minded teams willing to sit back at the Bridge. We need a natural LB playing in these games as Azpi isn't that comfortable on the overlap.

[Jase 43,479]

Cole still has good performances left in him. Just can't play him week in and week out like in previous years. He should certainly be played at times to have Azpi rested though not too sure how much more Mourinho still trusts Cole these days.

[Gilvorak 3,734]

Is that why he is playing well tho? His 2 best displays this season (Stoke and so far tonight) have came when he hadn't previously played for weeks.

Yeah, he can't play every week like in his prime but it's unfair for him to be completely frozen out like he's been these past couple of weeks.

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

Ashley Cole offered to Real Madrid and Ancelotti gives its approval to transfer

http://blogs.elconfidencial.com/deportes/es-lo-que-hay/2014-03-14/ashley-cole-se-ofrece-al-real-madrid-y-ancelotti-da-el-visto-bueno-al-fichaje_101946/

[The Skipper 20,593]

Interesting. Would be nice for Ash I guess, if true.

[Eligius 121]

So, Madrid is going to buy Cole?

Does that mean Fabio is available?

I still think Cole is better lb than Dave currently. I'm surprised Mourinho uses him sparingly.

[Jase 43,479]

So, Madrid is going to buy Cole?

Does that mean Fabio is available?

I still think Cole is better lb than Dave currently. I'm surprised Mourinho uses him sparingly.

Not too sure about that. Azpi has shown that he can defend and defend solidly at LB, just like Cole when he's in-form and offensively, they are both probably the same right now. Cole's attacking threat is almost non-existent these days while Azpi doesn't really get forward much either through instructions from Mourinho and/or his unfamiliarity to do so from LB as a RB. If anything, Cole has that slight edge over Azpi only on him able to provide more a natural threat from LB.