Joe Cole signs permanent deal with Coventry, is no longer a Villan

Joe Cole is no longer an Aston Villa player. That's right folks, Joe Cole was a Villa player at one point.

Coventry City confirmed the deal yesterday, which sees Cole rejoin the club on a six month contract. He was previously on loan from Aston Villa for three months, and his seven appearances with the Sky Blues was enough for them to make the deal permanent.

Cole spent two seasons at Villa, playing 12 games and scoring once, in a 1-1 draw against Burnley. However, he failed to make an impact in the post Paul Lambert era, playing just once this season, in the League Cup fixture against Notts County. Under Tim Sherwood, Cole was allowed to go to Coventry on loan, and he now leaves Villa having been deemed surplus to requirements by Remi Garde.

Joe Cole didn't exactly set the world on fire when on loan at Coventry, so he probably wasn't good enough for the Villa side. In addition, he signed for Villa on a free transfer, so the club haven't lost any money on him. All in all, letting him go six months before the end of his contract was a smart move by the club.

No loss no gain, Joe Cole was a reasonable player for Villa, but letting him go is for the best. So long, and good luck.