Whilst it was Kevin Keegan’s ‘I’d love it if we beat them’ rant that seemed to confirm to most people that he was off his rocker, I’d say his real moment of madness came a lot sooner.
After picking up an amazing strike rate of 68 goals in 84 games for Newcastle, Andy Cole was sold by Keengan to United. In other terms, Cole scored in 81% of the games he played in, yet Keegan decided to get rid. Insanity!
Cole went on to achieve great things with us, winning the league five times, the FA Cup twice, as well as the European Cup. Whilst the five goals he scored in United’s 9-0 thumping of Ipswich will be remembered as a highlight, the partnership he formed with Dwight Yorke and the massive amount of goals he scored makes the 1998-1999 season the one that shines out.
He had eight years at United before moving on to Blackburn where he won the League Cup, the only trophy to his name outside of his years with us. It is no wonder he still feels such a strong bond with the club, explaining the season ticket he has at Old Trafford.
Only Alan Shearer has more Premiership goals to his name though, with Cole scoring an impressive 187 goals, but sadly, Cole’s career has now come to an end, in disappointing fashion.
“It’s not the ideal ending,” said Cole. “It just wasn’t working out. I told them from the outset that I didn’t want to go there to sit on the bench because I didn’t want to be perceived as sitting back and making easy money. I wanted to go there and offer something, but it was a strange one from the start. I never knew what my role was. Was it to lend a hand, use my experience, or was it a PR thing, to sell a few more season tickets? I still don’t know. I felt like the manager wouldn’t have a conversation with me. I don’t know if it’s the right word, but he seemed kind of intimidated by me.”
Man Utd News 24/7
United Legend! Good luck in whatever you go on to do from here Andy.
thank you andrew
I remember Andy started at Utd and got a lot of stick from the press and some fans for not settling in quick enough. I always knew he’d come good and once he started scoring he never stopped. He won’t be remembered with the very best ’cause he wasn’t the most talented footballer but a fantastic poacher and will always be held in high regard at OT.
Thanks for the memories Andy, I wouldn’t have scored as many goals on the street if I wasn’t pretending to be King Cole!!
will always remember him for scoring the goal that won us the league in 99 old trafford was bouncing one of my favourite games of all time
A big thank you for the time you spent at United and the pleasure you gave one and all with your contribution to this great club. You are a legend Andrew and United fans will always remember and respect you.
What a legend! Thanks for everything Andy!
True….Respect me dear friend…you provided us some great service..some great years. All the best in whatever you do…
Andy Cole, Andy Cole
He’s Andy,Andy Cole
He takes the ball and scores a goal.
He’s Andy,Andy Cole.
Waiting for Junior Cole in a red shirt.:-)
dunno why, but i never liked cole. he was never what i class as a “united player”. yes he scored some important goals in 99, but i never really rated him. don’t get me wrong, i’d celebrate as i do every united goal, but there was just summat about him i didn’t like. the wrong type of attitude? i dunno.
prepare to get slated!
Even though he played for City, I still love him
His goal vs Tottenham which won us the league, was outstanding, (unlike his rap!)
Sad he never got a proper chance at Forest, he could have been a real asset in their team, and sad his career has just petered out.
Its kinda weird though, I dont see him as a legend in the mould of some players, even though he is one of our top scorers ever (16th, just 5 behind Solskjaer)
Hope he succeeds as a manager, and who knows, maybe at United one day!
Thank you Andy!
I just love the part on Sky Sports when he said NO ONE could get the best outta him like Fergie did, and then the interviewer asked what about Keegan and he says, it just wasn’t the same with him.