Carlton Cole took a 50 per cent pay-cut to stay with West Ham United last season.

The 28-year-old striker turned down a move to top flight Stoke after the Hammers were relegated at the end of the 2010-11 season, instead slashing his wages to £14,000-per-week from £28,000.

His loyalty will be rewarded with his wages being restored to their former level, as the club take their place back at the top table after beating Blackpool in the nPower Championship Play-off Final.

"I've kept my mouth shut for quite a while but I did take a wage cut to stay in the Championship. Half of my wages just went," he told The Sun.

"But I thought 'You know what? I want to help this club get back where we belong.'

"I didn't want to leave the ship, I am that sort of guy. I would not have been able to live with myself.

"It is just such a reward today to get to the Premier League again with West Ham at the first time of asking. This was D-Day for all of us.

"I can't explain how proud as a player, person and family man I am to be here."