Cole thinking about new deal

Last season, Ashley Cole signed a new deal to keep him at Stamford Bridge for another year. Now he's in exactly the same position: Playing well but not at the sort of level he managed during his glory days and in the last year of his contract. What's he hoping for?

I hope to stay for longer. I have had a great time here, a great career here and, of course, I'd love to stay if they still want me.

There is going to be a time when they will have to replace me. I have Ryan Bertrand in my place and one day I'm going to want to watch him play, so the time will come when I will finish my career.

-Source: Sky Sports.

Note: It's somewhat surprising to find out that Ashley Cole accepts that he's mortal.

Although it's very early in the season to be talking about next year's plans, it's difficult to feel all that comfortable about the developing situation at left back. For years, the club has relied on Cole to simply be there on the left flank while Ryan Bertrand and Patrick van Aanholt developed, but neither has claimed a first-team place yet and time is running out on Cole's career.

That's not to say that Chelsea are in trouble or anything -- they're both decent players right now and could do a job for us -- but we do need to find some answers sooner than later.