English striker who scored 187 Premier League goals, forming prolific partnerships at Newcastle and Manchester United during the 1990s and 2000s.
Andrew Alexander Cole was born on 15 October 1971 in Nottingham, England, and joined Arsenal's youth ranks before loan spells at Fulham and Bristol City eventually became a permanent move to the latter club in 1992. His prolific goalscoring form led Newcastle United to sign him in 1993, and he quickly became one of the most feared strikers in English football. Cole's electrifying strike partnership with Peter Beardsley helped fire Newcastle's ambitious title challenge under Kevin Keegan, and Manchester United signed him in 1995 for a British transfer record fee. He went on to form a legendary partnership with Dwight Yorke, and the pair's combined goalscoring was central to United's unprecedented treble of the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in 1999. Cole spent six seasons at Manchester United, winning five Premier League titles, before later playing for Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Sunderland, and several other clubs as his prolific career wound down. He finished with 187 Premier League goals, a total that ranks among the highest in the competition's history. Cole earned 15 caps for England, a surprisingly modest tally given his goalscoring record at club level, reflecting the fierce competition for a starting striker position during his era. After retiring, he moved into coaching, working with several clubs' academies and youth teams.
Being part of Manchester United's treble-winning team in 1999
He scored five goals in a single Premier League match against Ipswich Town in 1995, equalling the record at the time.
Did You Know?How They Played
Clinical finisher with excellent positioning and pace, known for his composure in front of goal
Lasting Impact
One of the Premier League's most prolific goalscorers and key figure in Manchester United's 1990s success
Career Honours
- Premier League 5x
- Champions League 1999
- FA Cup 2x
- Premier League 1996
- Premier League 1997
- Premier League 1999
- Premier League 2000
- Premier League 2001
- FA Cup 1996
- FA Cup 1999
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 1989–1992 | — | 1 | 0 |
| Fulham | 1991–1991 | loan | 13 | 3 |
| Bristol City | 1992–1992 | loan | 12 | 8 |
| Bristol City | 1992–1993 | — | 29 | 12 |
| Newcastle United | 1993–1995 | — | 70 | 55 |
| Manchester United | 1995–2001 | £7m | 195 | 93 |
| Blackburn Rovers | 2001–2004 | — | 83 | 27 |
| Fulham | 2004–2005 | — | 31 | 12 |
| Manchester City | 2005–2006 | — | 22 | 9 |
| Portsmouth | 2006–2007 | — | 18 | 3 |
| Birmingham City | 2007–2007 | loan | 5 | 1 |
| Sunderland | 2007–2008 | — | 7 | 0 |
| Burnley | 2008–2008 | loan | 13 | 6 |
| Nottingham Forest | 2008–2008 | — | 10 | 0 |
 England | — | — | 15 | 1 |