Andy Cole
Manchester United's record-signing striker who won the Treble in 1999.
Andrew Alexander Cole (born 15 October 1971) is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker. His professional career lasted from 1988 to 2008, and is mostly remembered for his time with Manchester United, who paid a British record transfer fee to sign him from Newcastle United. Cole spent six years with Manchester United and won nine trophies, including five Premier League titles and the Treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in 1999.
- Role
- Striker
- Club Affiliation
- Manchester United (1995–2001)
- Major Honours
- Premier League (5), FA Cup (2), UEFA Champions League (1)
- Total Goals for Club
- Not stated in source
- Key Achievement
- Member of the 1998–99 Treble-winning squad
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Cole began his career as a youth player for Arsenal, making his only league appearance for them in 1990. He later played for Bristol City, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and several other clubs. He is the fifth-highest goalscorer in Premier League history with 187 goals, and held records for most goals in a 42-game season (34), fastest to 50 goals (65 matches), and first to top both goalscoring and assist charts in the same season (1993–94). He won every top-level English team competition and the UEFA Champions League, and received the PFA Young Player of the Year award. He was capped 15 times for England, scoring once.
In Their Own Story
On 21 August 1993, Cole scored his first top division goal for Newcastle United against Manchester United at Old Trafford in a 1–1 draw. Just three months later, he scored all three goals as Newcastle defeated Liverpool 3–0 at home. His most prolific season came in 1993–94 when he netted 34 goals in 40 league matches, setting a record for the most goals in a 42-game season and scoring in 26 different appearances. That same year, he became the first player to top both the Premier League's goalscoring and assist charts simultaneously. His relationship with manager Kevin Keegan eventually soured following a November loss to Wimbledon, leading to his departure for Manchester United. At Old Trafford, he faced initial criticism but redeemed himself in the 1995–96 title run-in, scoring against Middlesbrough on the final day to secure the league.
Reader's Guide
Cole joined Manchester United on 10 January 1995 in a deal worth £7 million – £6 million cash plus Keith Gillespie valued at £1 million. In his first full season, 1995–96, he scored crucial goals including the equaliser in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea. He helped United win the Premier League and FA Cup double that season.
Did You Know?
- Cole scored five goals in a 9–0 Premier League win over Ipswich Town in 1995, the first player to score five in a Premier League match.
- He scored 34 goals in 40 matches for Newcastle United in their first Premier League season, 1993–94.
- Cole was the first player to top both the Premier League goalscoring and assist charts in the same season (1993–94).
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