Fast Forward: The Autobiography: The Hard Road to Football Success

by Andrew Cole

'A powerful and moving book - it's quite a battle he has faced' Nick Robinson, BBC Radio 4 Today Programme



'It really is an interesting read' Dan Walker, BBC Breakfast


*INCLUDES A FOREWORD BY SIR ALEX FERGUSON*
__________

'I'm not sure whether life prepared me for football, or football prepared me for life.'

Misconceptions have stalked Andy Cole like a hatchet-man defender determined to cut him down to size. Now, in his candid and inspirational autobiography, Cole finally puts his side of the story.

In the world of modern-day football, Andy Cole's reserved demeanour, combined with belief in his own ability, was often interpreted as an attitude problem that overshadowed his natural aptitude for goalscoring. Throughout his glittering career, he scored 187 Premier League goals, won 5 Premier League titles and 1 Champions League trophy.

Now, two decades on from United's historic Treble, he not only gives the inside track on Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Dwight Yorke and other members of that illustrious side, but also opens up about his fractious relationship with Teddy Sheringham and reveals the prejudices and preconceptions he had to contend with in his twenty years in the game.

Compelling in its honesty and frankness, Fast Forward is the thought-provoking story of one man's determination to succeed and survive against all the odds.

336 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2022

Reviews

[Ray Smillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better football autobiographies, purely because I really didn't know much about Andy Cole. Hates Teddy Sheringham, scored plenty goals, a bit dour. That was my knowledge of the man prior to reading this. He comes across as a truly sound bloke who knows his own mind and has a similar stubborn streak to me. Not scared to voice his opinion privately with those he has clashed with. Definitely know him much better after this more than decent read.

[Paul Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a middle aged Man U fan I was interested to read about Andy Cole's experiences during one of the club's most successful periods. This was covered in the first three quarters of the book which I found to be interesting but not fascinating I would say. The last quarter really grabbed my attention though, being a tremendously moving and open account of his illness and it's impact on himself and his relationships. That moved it up to a 4 from a 3 for me.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy Coles' autobiography was a solid read. It shows his story as an angry and confident footballer as he goes through his journey. I originally wanted to read this book for insight over his time at Bristol City which it did but not at the length I wanted, although it was the length I had expected. There was nothing truly groundbreaking in this book but it was still a good read.

[Connor C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read!

Andy tells many stories of both his football career and life: playing for several different teams, fall-outs with team mates and managers, his upbringing/family, and of his more recent battle with ill health.

Well worth a read for any football fan, definitely one of the best ex-player autobiographies I’ve read.

[Jonny Brick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent on the perils of football in the 80s and 90s, with dashes of racism and power trips. Ferguson comes off well, as does Cole, whose marriage collapses amid illness. Never trust Paul Stretford.

[Darren Keighley · Rating 5 out of 5]

great insight

I have always been a big fan of Andrew Cole, but of the wondered why he was so sullen & moody on the pitch.
This book brings to light many incidents & explains what happened with Teddy Sheringham.

A great read 👍

[Mark Dathorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book. Very interesting as Andy Cole is a reserved character so not much was out there. Explains a whole lot of what was happening behind the scenes. The Cole & Yorke partnership was a thing of beauty Well worth a read.

[Robert Hinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest Account

A good autobiography going through all the ups and downs of his career and then the personal health issues he has ongoing and the work and charities he has created to help others with similar issues

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why are football autobiographies so dull?

[T Guy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading for Chp 15 alone

[James Crossan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read - however a good chunk of the start is similar to his 1999 autobiography

[Spencer Preece · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. A man who hasn't had it easy, baring all.

[Russio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating to read between the lines of self justification. The football experiences, especially at Man U, are the most interesting parts.

[Phil McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

+ Very detailed
+ Actually sounds like Cole
+ Mega honest and insightful

5* - flew through it!

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved watching Andy Cole as a player and he has had an interesting life. That being said, this book misses the mark in my opinion. It's surprisingly dull and full of cliches and tired, stereotypical sporting anecdotes. If you're looking for a fresh take on a sporting autobiography you won't find it here.