Sam Allardyce: 'We can't offer Carlton Cole first-team football'

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that the club have decided against offering striker Carlton Cole a new contract.

The 29-year-old revealed last night that his seven-year stint at the Boleyn Ground has come to an end, insisting that he will return with a new club.

"Carlton's contract has come to an end and we have decided not to renew that contract," Allardyce told the club's official website. "Carlton's need at his age is to be playing football as often as he can.

"From our point of view we felt it better that he found pastures new. We can only thank him for his outstanding commitment and service to West Ham United over the last seven years."

Cole made 237 appearances and scored 59 goals during his career with the Hammers.