Cole passes Liverpool medical exam

Cole passes Liverpool medical exam

Published Jul. 21, 2010 11:46 a.m. ET

Joe Cole completed his move to Liverpool on Wednesday after passing a medical examination as manager Roy Hodgson began to rebuild the former Premier League power.

Cole, who will wear the No. 10 shirt at Liverpool after arriving on a free transfer from Chelsea, was Hodgson's first signing since replacing Rafa Benitez as manager on July 1.

Rangers defender Danny Wilson became the second later Wednesday, signing a three-year contract.

Cole, a 28-year-old England midfielder, signed a four-year contract and will fill the creative midfield role vacated by Yossi Benayoun when he joined Chelsea two weeks ago.

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Club captain Steven Gerrard has said he will stay at Liverpool following Cole's arrival, but Hodgson, who guided unfashionable Fulham to last season's Europa League final, is still looking for new talent.

''There's a lot more work to do, a lot more players needed,'' Hodgson said. ''We as a football team have got to make certain that when we take to the field the supporters will see there is something different and that we are making the biggest effort we can make.

''Then we can only hope they back us like they have always backed the club in the past.''

Liverpool has not won the English league since 1990, giving fierce rival Manchester United the chance to draw level on a record 18 titles.

Liverpool finished runner-up to United in 2009 but slumped to seventh place last season for its worst finish since 1999.

''Last season was a very disappointing season for the club in every respect, culminating in a popular manager leaving,'' Hodgson said. ''You don't dispel that with a couple of signings and I would never want to dupe the Liverpool public by telling them all is rosy now because Joe Cole has signed.''

But Wilson is certain he can make an immediate impact on the first team. The 18-year-old was voted Scottish Football Association Young Player of the Year last season.

''Coming here from Scotland, people may say I might not be ready for this,'' Wilson said. ''But that is a challenge I want to put on myself and that's the reason I came here.''

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