Carlton Cole: West Ham striker aims to make further impact
Last updated on .From the section Football
West Ham striker Carlton Cole aims to continue playing his part during the remainder of what he describes as a "strange" season for him.
The 30-year-old was released by the Hammers last summer, but re-signed in October and has since scored six goals in 20 Premier League appearances.
"I never had a pre-season. I just came in and had to hit the ground running.
"I used all my experience I'd gathered over the years to deal with it," he told BBC London.
"I had positive thought processes. The manager [Sam Allardyce] helped me through it to get back on track and catch up with the team fitness-wise and mentally.
"I repaid him with some goals. I am on the bench at the moment, but any time I get my chance I'll try my best."
After re-joining the Hammers initially on a short-term deal, Cole's performances earned him a new 18-month contract at Upton Park.
Cole, who has seven England caps, first joined West Ham from Chelsea in 2006 and has scored a total of 65 goals in 261 appearances for the east London club.
London's Olympic Stadium is currently being converted for West Ham's move to the ground for the 2016-17 season and Cole described it as "impressive" after visiting the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this week.
"Although it is not finished yet, it looks amazing. I'd like to play there one day and hopefully I can get a long enough contract to do that," he said.
"I understand some of the fans wouldn't want to move, but the owners want to progress and want more people to have an opportunity to watch the games.
"When you get a place like this you can't turn it down. I am just happy West Ham got it."
