Cole calls it a day

  • by Staff Writer
  • Tuesday, 8th February 2011

Former Hammer Mitchell Cole has been forced to retire at the age of just 25 due to a heart condition.

The winger, who spent a year at West Ham's Academy in the 2003/04 season was ordered by doctors to retire after a previously-diagnosed heart defect was discovered to have deteriorated.

London-born Cole's condition was first uncovered during his time at Chadwell Heath, but he was passed fit to continue to forge a career as a professional footballer. Although he featured briefly in the 2003/04 pre-season he failed to make a single first team appearance and was released at the end of the season.

Spells at Grays, Southend, Northampton and Stevenage ensued as Cole racked up more than 150 career appearances before he signed for Oxford United on a free last summer. However he failed to impress enough to make the first team bar a few substitute appearances, which his new club initially attributed to 'general fitness issues'.

But after complaining of breathlessness Cole was sent back to the doctors where his deteriorating condition was discovered - and his career halted with immediate effect.

A statement on Oxford United's website tonight read: "Following medical tests, Oxford United are saddened to confirm that Mitchell Cole's heart condition has deteriorated to a level which will put him in danger if he continues to play football.

"Mitchell passed his medical upon joining Oxford United, but in November, started feeling short of breath in training and matches, and was unable to reach his full running capacity while training and playing. When there was no improvement following further training, the club and Mitchell became concerned.

"Mitchell was sent for a series of medical tests, and the results of which have shown a significant deterioration of his heart condition. He has been advised by a leading cardiologist to stop playing competitive football for risk of a serious heart episode."

* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.



More News