The Hammers frontman was among those reported to be heading for the Upton Park exits ahead of the 2010/11 campaign, with his future very much up in the air. Liverpool led the chase for his signature, with Hammers boss Avram Grant recently revealing that the club knocked back 'a good offer' from the Reds for Cole. The England international has now revealed that uncertainty led to him taking his eye off the ball at the start of the season. He is, however, now fully focused on West Ham again and hopes a two-goal salvo in Tuesday's 4-0 Carling Cup victory over Manchester United will open the floodgates for him. "The Liverpool talk and all the other rumours did affect me as a player, because you never know where your future lies and it isn't always in your hands," explained Cole, who has seven caps for England. "But I've signed a deal now at the club that keeps me here until 2013, and that is my future. I've got everything else out of my head and I am concentrating on the here and now. "And while I wouldn't say that I am a confidence player, I would say that I am an emotional player. That is what I am trying to kick out of my game, as when I feel great I play great but if I'm feeling down then I usually play badly. "Avram has talked to me about it and told me to channel my emotions into something more practical and positive on the pitch, and that's what I am working on doing."
