There was a time when Andy Cole was one of the hottest properties in English football after his £7 million move from Newcastle United to Manchester United 13 years ago. After winning five Premiership titles and the Champions League, it is no wonder Cole believes he realised his dreams at Old Trafford. But now Cole, 36 and with his career coming to a close, has signed for Nottingham Forest to achieve an ambition of a different sort. His latest move is one he promised himself, friends and family would happen one day. Cole is now at his hometown club and has come to the City Ground for one last chance to show what he can do at Forest after his impressive spell at Burnley last season when he was on loan from Sunderland. The former England striker turned down more lucrative offers to join manager Colin Calderwood and Forest's return to the Championship. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson caught up with Cole and found the striker in reflective mood.
Q:IT SEEMS AS THOUGH YOUR REASONS FOR COMING TO FOREST ARE MORE PERSONAL THAN ANYTHING ELSE, IS THAT RIGHT?
A:I had other options at home and abroad, and could have earned more money, but this is the one where I can finally do it for myself, the people who have supported me, my grandfather who is no longer with us and a good friend who is no longer with me.
Q:DIDN'T YOU PROMISE YOUR LATE GRANDFATHER THAT YOU WOULD COME BACK TO NOTTINGHAM AND PLAY FOR FOREST?
A:Yes, I said I would do at some stage in my career. I don't think I would have come if Forest hadn't been promoted; I wasn't sure about playing in League One. But it all fell into place for me at the right time. I said to some friends recently that I wanted to come back to Nottingham and play for Forest, so this has topped everything off for me.
Q:YOU DIDN'T PLAY AT FOREST WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER BUT YOUR CAREER'S BEEN A MEMORABLE ONE HASN'T IT?
A:I wasn't any different to any other young lad in Nottingham who wanted to play for Forest one day. I just happened to try something else. It worked out for me and I achieved all the goals I set out to achieve. This is the last candle on the cake as far as I'm concerned. But this isn't all about me, it's about Forest.
Q:IS THERE ANYTHING YOU THINK YOU CAN PASS ON THE TO THE YOUNGER PLAYERS AT FOREST?
A:I hope I can. But I see some of the kids now and I can spot a little bit of me in them. I was a bit of a naughty boy back then! Hopefully though that will go as they grow out of it. I went on to do things that I never would have thought possible at the age of 14. If I can help them in any way, shape or form, I would love to do that.
Q:WILL THERE BE ANY PRESSURE ON YOU COMING TO YOUR HOME TOWN CLUB?
A:Pressure? How long have I been in the game now? Look, if there is any, I can take it, I've got broad shoulders. If I came here thinking I couldn't do a good job because I was under pressure then I might as well walk out of the door now.
Q:DO YOU THINK THERE IS A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR FOREST AFTER THREE SEASONS IN LEAGUE ONE?
A:I've been watching the club's young kids and I think there is so much potential here. I can run around like they do though, so I have to bring something else to the party. I haven't come here so that players can say 'look at me'; I want them to become better players. And I think the Forest supporters are looking forward to what could happen here.
Q:WHEN YOU LOOK BACK ON YOUR CAREER, DO YOU SEE THE MOVE TO MANCHESTER UNITED AS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERIOD?
A:It was my dream to join United. They are my team and I still go and watch them. I have season tickets and now my son wants to watch them. Everyone has dreams and sometimes you fulfil them, sometimes you don't. I fulfilled mine and when I look at players like Cristiano Ronaldo who says his dream is to play for Real Madrid then it makes things difficult. But United are a special club and I hope he stays. If I can win with Forest on a Saturday then see United on the Sunday, I'll be happy.
