---
title: "Former Newcastle United Striker Andy Cole Claims Reaction ‘Annoyed’ Him"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2020/10/16/former-newcastle-united-striker-andy-cole-claims-reaction-annoyed-him/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Newcastle United News"
published: "2020-10-16T09:00:31Z"
modified: "2020-10-16T09:00:31Z"
---

# Former Newcastle United Striker Andy Cole Claims Reaction ‘Annoyed’ Him

Former Newcastle striker Andy Cole enjoyed a record-breaking spell at St James’ Park before controversially switching to Manchester United.

At a time when the two United clubs were doing battle at the top of the Premier League, many on the Toon saw Cole’s departure as a major kick in the teeth, and the striker admits the reaction from supporters has always ‘annoyed’ him.

Speaking to the [Manchester United podcast](https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/andy-cole-speaks-out-on-move-to-man-utd-from-newcastle) ahead of Saturday night’s clash between the two clubs, Cole said: “It’s always annoyed me. I wasn’t looking to leave Newcastle, I was very happy there.”

The number nine who went on to score 121 goals for Manchester United following his switch spoke about the reception he received after the move: “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.”

Cole bagged [47 goals](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/andy-cole/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/3238) in just 61 matches during his two-year spell in Newcastle, ensuring he was inducted into the [Magpies’ Hall Of Fame](https://www.nufc.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/andy-cole/), despite the ill-nature of his departure.

### READ NEWCASTLE VERDICT

At the time it was considered a bit of a stab in the back of the Newcastle faithful who [‘idolised’ the striker](https://www.true-faith.co.uk/weve-found-a-hero-by-adam-beckett/) during his time with the club.

However it has long since been revealed then manager Kevin Keegan was the man behind the decision to sell Cole for a then [British record £7m](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andy-cole-opens-up-how-18393119), believing he could replace him sufficiently with the money involved.

Time has always been a great healer and perhaps the time is nye to put water under the bridge and consider the prolific striker a Newcastle great, albeit not in the same breath as the likes of Alan Shearer.