Cole admits the past four days have been something of a “whirlwind”, having flown over from England, tried to settle into a new apartment with his wife and begun training with his new team-mates.
His jet lag has certainly not helped. “I’ve been getting up a 4.30am, waiting for the local coffee guy to open his shop,” he says.
And neither has the heat and humidity of the Florida climate. “The humidity has taken me aback – everyone tells me how hot it is and it’s only spring, so that’s going to be a challenge. But after two, three weeks I’m sure I will have settled in.”
But he has been impressed with what he has seen of his new team-mates as he looks to make his debut against NASL rivals Rayo OKC this weekend.
“Going to a new club is always a stressful situation. I liken it to going to a new school when you’re a kid – but with responsibilities. Going to a new club in a new continent, it’s been a whirlwind,” adds Cole, who has signed a deal until the end of the 2017 season, with the option of another year.
“I’ve watched the guys a couple of times and I’ve been impressed with the technical level. There’s a great bunch of lads, a good team spirit, they’ve made me feel welcome.
“They’ve given me a bit of stick already – the food didn’t turn up yesterday and they said it’s because I’ve signed and there’s no money left!
“There’s a couple of British guys in the dressing room who have been pointing me in the right direction so it’s been good. It’s very exciting – but tiring.”
He adds: “I’m hoping to play [this weekend] – I’m looking to start. It’s a difficult one as I’ve had a long hard season at Coventry so I could have waited until the Fall Season and started afresh – as you’re carrying a few nicks and knocks – but I think it’s important I get going. There’s a break soon and you’ll probably see the best of me in the Fall Season.”