Former West Ham United and England football star Alvin Martin has been signed up to write a column for the Brentwood Gazette.

In his opening column, Alvin - who is now a radio host on talkSport 1053 and 1089MW - was quick to quick his views on the Premiership season and England's World Cup qualifying match with Germany this Saturday.

He fervently believed that West Ham youngster Joe Cole deserved his place in the senior squad.

Alvin said: "He, in my opinion, is the perfect man to come on against the Germans and produce a moment of pure genius that no England player at the moment can equal."

He was also dismissive of national tabloid reporters "who've probably never kicked a ball in their life" but have been infuriating him with their comments about West Ham players "showboating" and performing "circus acts".

"Have you ever heard the phrase 'a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing'? On this occasion it's more than apt," he wrote.

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