Desperate to keep Joe Cole admits Wilkins

Ray Wilkins speaking for the club has underlined how desperate we are to have Joe Cole sign a new contract with us before it is too late and we lose him on a free.

Cole’s contract as we all know is up at the end of the season and certain clubs are sniffing around like vultures but Wilkins is confident that Cole will stay.

“We are desperate to keep Joe,” Wilkins said. “I know the club are and we as a management group feel the same. He is a very valuable asset to us.

“It is a contractual situation that he and the club I am sure will sort out at a later stage. We sincerely hope he will be here next season. We would love to keep Joe. I am sure he and the club will sort it out.

“I would not have thought his form has been affected by the contract situation. I just think he has had a long lay-off, something like ten months, and it is never easy to come back.

“He was outstanding in the Carling Cup against Queens Park Rangers and then you find, when you have had a long lay off, that your form does drop.

“Joe has just had a dip in form. He has shown in certain games, when he has played, a lot more of that good form. He has got to get a little bit more consistency back and then there will not be a problem with him.

“I have spoken to Joe on numerous occasions. He is upbeat about his future here. He loves Chelsea. He wants to stay at Chelsea and I am sure that the club and his people will sort the situation out.”

Bloody hope so and wish they would get this sorted out and soon.