The Profile
Carlton's story, told with respect to the facts.
Carlton Cole came through the Chelsea academy in the early 2000s but made his Premier League career at West Ham, where he was a regular in the side for seven years and scored goals in the Premier League against most of the big clubs of his era. He was strong, quick, and difficult for centre backs to handle physically. His seven England caps were rewards for a period when he was arguably the best performing English striker outside the top four.
Post-football he has moved into broadcasting and the after dinner circuit, and has been a regular voice on West Ham and Chelsea media for the last five years. His speaker style is relaxed and self-deprecating, which plays well at events for football-literate audiences.
“West Ham is not like other football clubs. You either understand it or you never will. I understood it from day one.”
Career highlights
- Chelsea, West Ham and Aston Villa career
- 7 England caps
- 2008-09 Hammer of the Year
- West Ham first team 2006 to 2013
- FA Cup Final appearance with West Ham
First hand
Carlton Cole at Steam
Carlton spoke at Steam in April 2025 alongside Tony Cottee for a West Ham themed evening that was one of our more raucous lunches.