Rio: Good luck Joe, but not tonight

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has wished old mate Joe Cole good luck as he looks to rekindle past glories at West Ham — but hopes it comes after tonight.

Cole and Ferdinand used to be team-mates in a Hammers squad that also spawned Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe.

All five went on to enjoy success elsewhere, whilst West Ham twice lost their top-flight status in 2003 and 2011. Now Cole is looking to rebuild himself though, accepting Sam Allardyce’s offer of a six-month loan period to escape the difficulties he was experiencing at Liverpool.