Fulham boss Chris Coleman wants his hatchet men to stick the boot into returning hero Andrew Cole. The Manchester City ace walks into Craven Cottage today for the first time since leaving on a free transfer in the summer.
Cole, 34, quit after one season in West London because his family refused to relocate from Manchester.
Cottagers boss Coleman insists he does not hold a grudge — but still wants his defenders to give Cole a torrid afternoon.
He said: “We’ve got a welcoming committee ready for Andy, don’t worry about that.
“I want my defenders to give Andy the same welcome I used to give my old team-mates when I played against them.
“He’s struck up a very good partnership with Darius Vassell but my lads trained with him for a year, so I hope they will be able to handle him.”
Coleman admits he endured a rocky relationship with the hot-headed Cole but the former Manchester United star still top-scored for Fulham with 13 goals.
And Coleman is adamant he never wanted the striker to leave.
But Cole was left with little option when wife Shirley insisted he return to the North West to be nearer his family.
Coleman added: “Andy and I had a few arguments during our time but we always kissed and made up at the end of them.
City boss Stuart Pearce said: “I was surprised to get him but it reflects on how honest and what a good man Chris Coleman is.
“He knew Andrew wasn’t happy with all the travelling so Chris said to him that if a club near his home came in, he’d let him leave.
“And, credit to Chris, he was good to his word — and that says a lot about him.”
Coleman is praying for a change of luck after watching his side slump to defeat in the last minute at Wigan last week.
The Cottagers have won just twice this season and could drop into the bottom three if they slip up against City.
Coleman said: “Our luck has to change soon. We’ve been playing well and not getting results so I’m sure things will pick up.”
