Cole hopes for Bellamy stay

Striker wants to continue partnership

Last updated: 5th January 2009

Cole hopes for Bellamy stay

Cole: Has Bellamy hope

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Carlton Cole is hoping that West Ham hold on to his strike partner Craig Bellamy.

The Welsh international is being strongly linked with a move away from Upton Park as the East London club continue to struggle with the current financial climate.

A host of West Ham's squad are being targeted by rivals, but Cole is desperate for Bellamy to stay put.

Hopeful

"I'd love him to stay here for a very long time," said Cole.

"I don't know what's going to happen but everyone at the club wants him here. The manager wants him here, the players want him here.

"He's a great asset to the club and hopefully he stays with us.

"He's passionate about the game. If I've done something wrong he'll let me know. I say it the same way - but he'll say it louder than me! It's very constructive criticism. He reminds me of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

"We're totally different people. I don't get annoyed. I'm a patient guy. I can't be bothered with all the palaver. I just like to live my life and chill. I don't want to get into arguments.

"Craig's a fiery character. You just have to respect how he feels sometimes. He's a really nice guy. I respect him and he respects me. That's how life is."