Position: Forward

Squad Number: 9

Born:Nottingham 15 Oct 1971

Height: 5 foot 10

Previous Clubs: Arsenal, Fulham (loan), Bristol City, Newcastle

Notes: Prolific striker throughout his career, but really sprang to public notice in the 93-94 season when he scored 34 League goals for Newcastle United. Cole suffered a broken leg in a reserve team game at Anfield which sidelined the unlucky striker for the first-half of the 96-97 season. Finished the 97-98 season with 25 goals in all competitions - the country's leading goalscorer. Cole quickly established a healthy understanding with new-boy Dwight Yorke, both on and off the pitch, hitting a succession of goals at home and in Europe. Signed a five-year contract to stay at United until 2003. Cole managed to put behind the disappointment of being left out of Kevin Keegan's Euro 2000 squad to make a scintillating start to the 2000/2001 campaign. His mobility, alertness and prowess in front of goal make him a constant threat. In addition, Alan Shearer's retirement has seen Cole rightly elevated to international recognition.