Andy Cole has revealed the reaction from Newcastle United fans to his controversial Tyneside exit more than two decades ago has always ‘annoyed’ him. The Magpies broke their transfer record in February 1993 to sign the prolific striker from Bristol City in a £1.75m deal, and he made an immediate impact as Kevin Keegan’s side cruised to the Division One title. Cole set a club record the following season which still stands, netting 41 goals in just 46 appearances in United’s maiden Premier League campaign. However, Cole sealed a controversial switch to Manchester United in January 1995 for a then British transfer record deal worth £7m with Keith Gillespie heading the other way.
Andy Cole said “It’s always annoyed me. I wasn’t looking to leave Newcastle, I was very happy there. I remember a few years ago I went up with Les (Ferdinand) to do interviews. People came up and heckled me and I said ‘you might as well go home or I’ll get up and walk out. I’m not really fussed by it.’ Previously, people have understood what’s going on. The club made the decision that they wanted to sell me. I enjoyed Newcastle. The only problem, for me, personally, it came too early for me. I’m not a big fan of people idolising me. I think that’s mad. When I went to the supermarket, I couldn’t shop. People were chasing me for autographs and I was like ‘what is this?’”
