Carlton Cole’s tenure at Celtic stands as a stark reminder of the fine line between expectation and execution in football. When he arrived at Parkhead in October 2015, his name carried weight—formerly of West Ham and once an England international. But, as Cole soon found out, the Celtic faithful are not easily wooed by reputation alone. The mist of the Premier League badge doesn’t hold much sway north of the border. At Celtic, what matters is passion, commitment, and an understanding of the club’s ethos. Sadly, Cole arrived expecting adulation and found only indifference, his performances doing little to endear him to the supporters.
In many ways, Cole’s frustration boiled down to a disconnect between what he thought his name would bring and the reality of his situation. He spoke of disjointed medical staff, suggesting a lack of professionalism he wasn’t accustomed to. In truth, though, Cole’s issues seemed far deeper than the odd training routine or confusion over his fitness regime. His time at the club felt half-hearted. He didn’t arrive with the hunger or humility to adapt to Scottish football, and when things went south, it was easier to point fingers at the “Mickey Mouse” operation than to accept that his best days were long behind him.
Contrast this with Joe Hart’s arrival at Celtic in 2021. Hart, like Cole, was a player once revered in England—his fall from grace well-documented after spells at Burnley and Tottenham, where he appeared a shadow of the keeper who once ruled between the posts for Manchester City. But Hart’s arrival was marked by humility, a quality that Cole sorely lacked. Hart came to Celtic as a man in need of redemption, not recognition. His ego was firmly checked at the door. There were no grand proclamations or delusions of grandeur—just a quiet understanding that he was here to listen, to work, and to contribute.
And before Cole gets his West Ham themed knickers in a twist. Joe Hart came to the football club when we were at our lowest ebb in a decade. Carlton came in when Celtic might not have been firing on all cylinders but they were by no means on tatters when Joe came through the door.
This humility was key to his success. Instead of expecting Celtic to thank him for his past achievements, Hart was grateful for the opportunity to write new chapters. He bonded with the dressing room, notably taking on the mantle of leadership without undermining captain Callum McGregor—a feat not easily achieved when you have over 75 England caps and Premier League titles to your name. He embraced the culture, understood the club’s demands, and, crucially, he learned to thrive in the cauldron of Scottish football.
The results speak for themselves. Hart’s first season yielded a domestic double, his presence solidifying the backline while his experience proved crucial in Ange Postecoglou’s high-pressing system. By his second year, he was celebrating a treble, and in his final season, he added another double, walking away from the game with one final victory over Rangers in the Scottish Cup. For Hart, this wasn’t just about winning titles—it was about rebuilding a career, rediscovering a love for the game, and, in the process, becoming a fan favourite.
Where Cole faltered, Hart soared. The difference? Attitude. Cole came to Celtic as though he was doing the club a favour; Hart arrived knowing Celtic was giving him a lifeline. It’s a story as old as football itself: when players come with their egos, they’re often found wanting. But when they arrive with an open mind and a willingness to work, the rewards can be extraordinary.
As the banners unfurled and chants of “Joe, Joe Super Joe” rang around Hampden in his final match, the difference couldn’t have been more profound. Cole’s departure from Celtic was forgettable—Hart’s was unforgettable. One leaves his legacy in tatters; the other departs as a Celtic legend. Hart’s time in Glasgow may have started with questions, but it ended with love. For Carlton Cole, unfortunately, it’s a lesson learned too late.
Brilliantly written. Cole was a mediocre player by EPL standards & pish up here.
I don’t often go along with much of the bollocks you talk but you are 100% correct on this article . Well played.
I remember a poll not long ago regarding worst Celtic signings. Eyal Berkovic got the most scorn but I would have said Cole with the expectation surrounding him.
As crap as Berkovic could be, at least he tried.
Cole was our version of Sevco’s Joey Barton.