Cole can now reflect on playing days which saw him collect countless medals and represent some of the most illustrious sides in England.

As a key part of the Manchester United side of the late 1990s Cole's partnership with Dwight Yorke was a key feature in the 1999 Treble, while he won 15 international caps.

Spells with top-flight sides Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, Newcastle United and Manchester City also feature on his CV and he sits second in the all-time Premier League scoring charts, with only Alan Shearer ahead of him.

Cole has a host of happy memories to look back on as he prepares to hang up his boots but admits his acrimonious departure from Championship strugglers Nottingham Forest was not how he envisaged bowing out.

no regrets

"It's not the ideal ending," Cole said. "It just wasn't working out. I told them from the outset that I didn't want to go there to sit on the bench because I didn't want to be perceived as sitting back and making easy money.

"I wanted to go there and offer something, but it was a strange one from the start. I never knew what my role was.

Despite the disappointing climax to his career, Cole insists he has no regrets. "I wouldn't change a thing. I've lived the dream," he added.

Cole is now expected to pursue his ambition of going into coaching.

To read a tribute and review of Andy Cole's career, click here.

To view a gallery of Andy Cole pictures, click here