Newcastle United legend Andy Cole has revealed the hilarious Kevin Keegan blunder in which the former Magpies manager mistakingly called him ‘Adrian’ when trying to get him to sign.
Cole, who was playing for Bristol City at the time, recalls the phone call between himself and Keegan, who was keen to bring the young Englishman to St James’ Park after a prolific spell at Ashton Gate.
“I was playing for Bristol City, in the days before mobile phones, when I came outside to see a note on the window of my car from my team-mate Russell Osman.” said Cole speaking with FourFourTwo. “It said: “Coley, give me a call.”
“Kevin Keegan wants to phone you,” said Russell. I went home and awaited the call.”
“Hello, Adrian,” Keegan said. “I think you have got the wrong person, because I’m Andrew,” I replied.”
“Ah, sorry. Anyway, we’d like you to come up as we’re interested in signing you. Is there any possibility that you can get up to Newcastle tomorrow?” I said: “I can’t come tomorrow because I have to finish my laundry. I can come the day after, though.” He was a bit taken aback, but I did my laundry and went the day after.”
Cole went on to have a terrific two years with the Magpies, scoring 68 times in just over 80 appearances, and is fondly remembered as one of the club’s greatest ever forwards.
Safe to say Keegan might remember his name these days.
