Coleman Defends Cole

Fulham boss Chris Coleman has defended striker Andy Cole after a far from impressive display in the 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Newcastle United.

Cole, having only just recovered from an ankle injury, was given a rough reception from his former team’s supporters until he was replaced.

Coleman said after the game: "It's not just our crowd, it's crowds all around the country that have this thing about Andy Cole. There is nothing I or Andy can do about it.

"He has scored 12 goals in all competitions and is one of the highest scorers in the Barclays Premiership in a team which is at the wrong end of the table. His goals have been incredibly important to us.

"He was not on form against Newcastle, but neither were the other ten players. Andy's fitness is not what it should be but we have not really got any alternatives at the moment so we had to play him.

"You can't question his attitude. When he is 100 per cent he scores goals, but he has not always been 100 per cent fit."

Cole left Newcastle United to join rivals Manchester United in 1995 in a move worth £1.75m with Keith Gillespie moving the other way and the Nottingham-born forward has suffered torrid abuse from the Geordies as well as other fans alike since.