When Andrew Cole arrived at Fratton Park during the summer at first we thought that’s another quality striker, but it soon became apparent he wasn’t signed with the intention to strengthen our strike force, merely to replace someone, this someone being Svetoslav Todorov!
Todorov went out on loan to Wigan but things didn’t really work out for the Bulgarian so he returned in January. Since his return he has been heavily linked with moves away but nothing has come of it just yet. He’s continued plugging away, doing his part to try and force his way back into Harry Redknapp’s plans. His brace in the reserves recently can only have strengthened his claims.
It is now being revealed that Cole’s former United teammate Steve Bruce wants to take Cole on loan to Birmingham for the remainder of the season.
“We are hopeful of getting Andy on loan for the rest of the season,” said Bruce.
“It is not done yet, but we’ve had talks and are hopeful of tying it up if we can sort out one or two loose ends.”
“I played with Andy at Manchester United, although it was a long time ago, and he is still a top, top professional who looks after himself.”
“That’s why he is still a Premiership player at 35 to 36. I just feel we need that extra bit of experience and quality up front.”
Cole has had something of a mercenary tag about him in recent years and as much as his goal record suggests, and as happy as I was when he arrived, I have more than come round to this way of thinking and after a decent start he isn’t really showing much for me to suggest Todorov would be any less of a player. Although Todorov is again being heavily linked with a move away himself once more.
Let’s face it Todorov wants to play for the club, he loves the club, the fans love him and Redknapp does too, he’s admitted as much in recent times. We may be sentimental but Todorov deserves this final chance, is some six, seven years Cole’s junior and knows where the net is. At a time when we are struggling for goals why not let Cole leave and bring back a hungry and eager to impress Todorov, if nothing else he’s worth a place on the bench at least.
PLAY UP POMPEY!
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