Joe Cole will return to TNT Sports punditry duty this week after skipping a match for the broadcaster. The former Chelsea and West Ham star will be part of the network's Champions League coverage of Napoli against Arsenal.
Cole had revealed before the opening weekend of the season that he avoided covering Hull City's home clash with Manchester United. Speaking on the Dressing Room podcast, he admitted: "I want to make a confession here today, right. TNT Sports have contacted me for the new season. They've tried to slip in the Hull one on the first day of the season. I put my phone on do not disturb!"
Hull claimed a shock 2-0 win over Michael Carrick's side in that match. While the comments upset Hull fans, Cole has not fallen out of favour with TNT Sports, who have assigned him to this week's Champions League match between Napoli and Arsenal.
Pundit's pre-season prediction
Cole will join presenter Reshmin Chowdhury and Martin Keown for the network's coverage of the game. He had been one of many pundits to tip newly promoted Hull for immediate relegation, saying they were "gone" before a ball had been kicked.
He said: "Hull are gone, man. They've spent 70 mil, I'll be stunned if they stay up. They've come here through the back door, they've slipped in."
Hull's strong start
Hull have confounded expectations so far, sitting third in the Premier League table after three games, with only last season's top two, Arsenal and Manchester City, above them. After beating fellow promoted side Coventry City, Hull's fine start continued with Saturday's goalless draw with Aston Villa at the MKM Stadium. Mohamed Belloumi hit the crossbar as they pushed for a winner against the Europa League holders.
Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic said: "I would sign immediately if you'd offered me [seven points]. Immediately. But also it's great for us that we show that we can compete on this level, that we can be dangerous, that we can maybe play some situations better in possession because you need confidence. But, still, we are growing here. In every game we will grow and we will be better."
Hull, who visit Sunderland in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, face another Premier League heavyweight this weekend, with a trip to Chelsea.
