It was arguably the most shocking deal that Sir Alex Ferguson has ever pulled off, when he captured Newcastle goal-getter Andy Cole in a deal worth a British record £7 million. The prolific Englishman had scored 68 goals in 84 games for the Tyneside outfit, when Manchester United swooped in January 1995. It took the whole nation by surprise, and was one of the first real shock transfers of the Premiership era. However, Coles attitude problems have been well-documented, having been rejected by Arsenal boss George Graham at the age of 15 for perceived arrogance. Having excelled at Newcastle following a club transfer record-breaking £1.75 million move from Bristol City, he would then fall out with Kevin Keegan and repeatedly miss training sessions. However, nobody could have predicted that the club would have contemplated selling him to a rival, with Cole himself stating that he never thought Newcastle would sell me to another English club.
''Andy Cole will score goals for Manchester United and there are times when that will be rammed down my throat. But people shouldnt think there is any more to this than pure footballing judgement. - Kevin Keegan, January 1995.
The supporters were up in the arms and congregated at the stadium, demanding answers for the sale of the 23 year old hit man, to which Keegan simply asked that if you think Im making a mess of things, then chant for me to go. In the end, they didnt, Cole won five league titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League, and Newcastle United signed Alan Shearer instead. So, everybody won. Sort of. So that's a wrap - what do you think? Have there been any glaring omissions? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
