On This Day in 2001 – Blackburn sign Andy Cole from Manchester United
Andy Cole signed for Blackburn on this day in 2001 (PA Archive)
Blackburn signed Andy Cole from Manchester United for £8million on this day in 2001.
The then 30-year-old had slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford following the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy and therefore ended his seven-year stay in Manchester to move to Ewood Park.
Cole said at a press conference on the day he signed: “It was a big decision. When you leave a club like Manchester United it’s always going to be a big decision.
“I am 30 and it’s very important that in the next few years I’m playing football. That’s all I want to do. I don’t enjoy being on the bench.
Andy Cole won the Worthington’s Cup with Blackburn (David Jones/PA)
“I am really looking forward to playing here. I spoke at great length to the manager and at what he was looking to do at the club and that made my mind up.”
Graeme Souness’ side were struggling in the Premier League but Cole netted 13 goals in 20 games to help Rovers to a 10th-placed finish and a piece of silverware in the form of the League Cup.
Cole scored the crucial winner in the final against Tottenham, who were managed by Glenn Hoddle, a prominent critic of Cole.
Despite his good form, Cole was not selected for England’s squad for the 2002 World Cup and subsequently announced his international retirement.
Cole was reunited with his Manchester United strike partner Dwight Yorke (David Kendall/PA)
Cole scored 13 goals the following season as Blackburn finished sixth and was reunited with his former United strike partner Dwight Yorke.
He finished the 2003-04 campaign as Rovers’ top scorer with 11 goals but the club struggled and Cole’s relationship with Souness deteriorated to the point where the striker reported his
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