Carlton Cole is happy to be helping the next generation of West Ham United players.

Cole spent nine years in the Claret and Blue and has been helping with the academy over the past year.

"I'm so happy to be at this Club in this capacity, working on using my influence and my experience to help the next generation of talent – even though some of them may not know who I am!" Cole said.

"At the same time, they respect that I have a view on the game which might be a little different to some of the coaches that they've been used to, so I try to help as much as I can to make them into better players.

"West Ham's given me the opportunity to sharpen my tools up – to be a better coach and a better man-manager – so I'm very grateful."