JOE COLE has insisted that West Ham United's crunch relegation battle against Bolton Wanderers is the biggest game the Hammers have faced since he won a professional contract.

The gifted young midfielder is now captain of West Ham -- and he knows that the game at the Reebok Stadium could ultimately be the crucial decider in which of the two sides drop into Division One.

West Ham are currently third from bottom, three points behind Bolton, and the match tomorrow has become a huge fixture for both clubs.

"It is a massive game," said Cole after his side drew 2-2 with Aston Villa last week.

"It is not all or nothing, as there will still be plenty of football to play, but it is still massive.

"It will be the biggest game I have ever played in.

"We have simply got to get the right result."