Having had a little time to familiarise himself with the award, Joe Cole has been discussing how it feels to be the Chelsea Player of the Year for 2008.

The ever-popular winger was presented with the award last night at our annual awards ceremony, held at Stamford Bridge. It is the first time he has won the award since signing for the club in 2003, and joins team-mates Carlo Cudicini, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien on an illustrious list of winners.

Delighted to have been recognised by the fans, Joe's immediate concerns were the live interview he was put through with host Jeff Stelling. Despite having played in front of 90,000 people at Wembley, Cole was petrified with a microphone in front of him.

'Yeah but you don't have to talk to them do you?!' he joked. 'It's very nerve wracking, I'm getting married in the summer and if that's how it's going to be then speeches will be difficult. I'll have to get the practice in I think!'

Nerves put aside for a moment, the winger, who has scored 10 goals in 53 appearances this season, was keen to thank those who nominated him, and those who helped him turn in such consistent displays throughout the season.

'I was trying to think of what to say, but I'm not used to that kind of thing. I'm happy but I'd like to thank the fans for voting for me, and also I want to be better next year,' he said.

'I want to start the season well and improve. The boys, I love all of them, and every day it is a joy to go in and train. The Chelsea boys have made me the player I am, and I have learned from all of them.'

Cole, pictured receiving the award from his former captain Marcel Desailly, admitted that the award was extra special for him, recalling days gone by where he was voting for the Fans' Player of the Year award.

'Every time you win an award from fans is special because they're the people that pay to watch you,' he reasoned. 'If they're approving of you, these are the people that watch every game every day, whereas some pundits only see you five times a season, but the fans watch every game.

'If I'm doing something they like I am well happy, and I've been on the other side as well, watching Chelsea and I voted for Player of the Year myself years ago, so it's a special thing for me. I can't say how happy I am at the club.'

As well as his colleagues, Cole's name will now be engraved alongside some of his own boyhood heroes.

Perusing the list of winners going back to 1967, he said: 'One of my heroes, Dennis Wise, and Gianfranco Zola are both on there. I can't believe it really to think I'm on the same trophy with their names on, I used to have posters of them when I was a kid - it's crazy.'

At 26, he also believes there is more to come from him in a Chelsea shirt.

'At the start of the season I still had the hangover from the injuries I had, so to win this award is a great achievement, because there were doubts in my mind that I would ever get back to playing at the top level.

'I was playing with a lot of pain, but now I'm back. I've never started a season with Chelsea, having played the first few games and started. I know it is a bit premature to be talking about next year but if I can start the season and go from there I think I could take another step up.

'It's always been great here, and I still strive to get better and become a better player for Chelsea and Chelsea fans. I'm delighted to be here and hopefully I can stay for the rest of my career.'


There was also a family connection for Joe at the evening, joined by his father George, a keen follower of his son's career.

Speaking about his dad's presence at the event, the Chelsea man said: 'Everything I do with my football is for my family, they come to watch me everywhere. I wouldn't be a footballer if it wasn't for my dad and my mum, and brother and sister, we're a close family. I'm very happy and hopefully there'll be a few more of these.'

This is a wish that is shared by Cole Snr, who is hoping for even more from his son.

'It's a great achievement for him. He loves it,' said George. 'I think all players can improve, they have to keep learning, every day is a learning curve and hopefully he'll keep learning.

'I think Chelsea have the best to come out of him yet. He's coming into his prime, his peak, and I am sure he would love to see it out at Chelsea.'

There is little doubt that Chelsea fans would love the same.

Joe Cole's home kit for the 08/09 season can be ordered from the Online Megastore, while True Blue membership for next term can be accessed here.

Don't forget to tune into Big Match Countdown on Chelsea TV this evening (Friday), where Cole is the studio guest between 6-8pm.