Joe Cole 09-10 (h)

This is one of the Fan Favourites figures made by Corinthians in 2003. The Chelsea team pack included a very good sculpt of Joe Cole which I have repainted in the 2009-10 home kit.

This was the year that Chelsea won the double under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti - one of my favourite ever seasons supporting the club! The league season was exciting, going down to the very last game of the season between us and Manchester United.

This was the first real sustained success (a league title requires strong performances throughout the season rather than just a few months like under Hiddink) since Mourinho had won all domestic titles in his first three seasons. The seemingly impenetrable defence had been lost somewhat, but it was more than made up for in a ruthless attack, which still holds the record for the most goals scored in a Premier League season at 103!

Whereas all previous home games when trying to win a league title had been nervy affairs, this team was a real joy to watch, as they often blew teams away. During the last few months of the season at the Bridge, Chelsea put four past West Ham; seven past Villa and Stoke; and eight past Wigan. Naturally there was also a nervy midweek 1-0 against Bolton as well!

From my memory Joe Cole only played a minor role during the season as he came back from cruciate ligament damage to his knee, but he apparently took part in 39 games! His first game back from injury was against QPR in the League Cup, a game he ran completely. His first goal of the season was in a 4-0 win over Wolves. He also provided the assist for Ashley Cole to make it 8-0 in the title winning game against Wigan.

However, his best contribution came against Manchester United in April in what was a title deciding game and one that Alex Ferguson described at the time as like a World Cup final. Cole scored the opener with a clever flick as Chelsea won 2-1 at Old Trafford to secure control over the title race. It remains to this day one of the best away games I've been to!

With regard to the figure I like how it has come out. The Fans Favourite sculpts are a lot easier to paint as you can quite literally rip the heads of them! This makes painting the collar simple enough with no worry of accidentally getting paint on the head! The kit for the season was basic enough, although it initially drew criticism for its breast plates!