Cole delighted to be home

Veteran striker targets promotion swansong

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 7th August 2008

andrew cole nottingham forest

Cole: Hungry for success

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Andrew Cole is excited by the prospect of helping Nottingham Forest back into the big time.

The veteran striker completed a move to his hometown club earlier this summer, describing the return to his roots as a 'dream come true'.

He openly admits to being a Forest supporter as a boy, and made a promise to his grandfather that he would one day don the famous red shirt.

At 36-years-old he has taken the scenic route back to Nottingham, taking in spells at no less than 12 clubs on the way.

However, a glittering career has seen him win every major domestic honour, the UEFA Champions League and represent his country on 15 occasions.

He is not done yet, though, and hopes to help Forest regain their place back among England's elite before he finally hangs up his boots.

Promotion

"It's about the club being back in the Championship and trying to get back into the Premiership because that is where they belong," Cole told The Independent.

Cole will be expected to use his vast experience to good use next term, helping Forest's promising group of youngsters to continue their impressive development.

However, the veteran hit-man admits that the youthful exuberance which surrounds the City Ground has already made an impact on him.

"It doesn't feel like I'm a senior statesman because I'm involved in everything," he added.

"I'm getting dragged into their banter and thinking 'I've got 12, 13 years on some of these guys'.

"I know I have to be a leader now. It helps that I was once on the wrong side of the line. I like to think that I know about both sides and that will help."

Pioneer

Cole will take combine his responsibilities on the field next season with taking his coaching badges, an area he is keen to get into once he slips into retirement.

Having seen Paul Ince recently become the first black British manager to take charge of a Premier League side, Cole hopes that he can follow in the footsteps of his former Manchester United team-mate in the future.

"I just hope, god willing, he gets some results and hopefully that would open a few doors for me, Sol Campbell, whoever," he said.

"He's a pioneer for the rest of us."