News

14/08/2008 - Fans' bid to re-release Andrew cole single outstanding

Forest striker Andrew Cole may have had an 'Outstanding' career in football.

But his chart career has been less impressive.

His garage single Outstanding, released in 1999 when he played for Premiership champions Manchester United, failed to trouble the Top 40.

But one Forest fan is on a mission to get it re-released.

Darren Singleton, who has been following the Reds since he was seven, has set up a group on social networking website Facebook.

He hopes the song could storm the charts this time.

Let's Get Andy Cole Into The Top 40 has so far attracted more than 340 members - and Darren intends to petition record company WEA.

Now 27 and living in Alfreton, Darren said: "I was born in Notts and have supported Forest all my life and get to games when I can.

"I remember Outstanding coming out the first time round and thought it was fun. I was reminded when I saw a link to the video for the single on a forum."

A product developer, he admits the garage track would not usually be his cup of tea.

"I'm into indie and rock music really but the lyrics are fun."

In the single Cole, who was playing for Manchester United at the time of its release, raps: "Tell the world my name Andy Cole/I blaze the scene - score the goal".

He also delivered an anti-drugs message with: "I used to work hard / I used to play hard/Got my kicks from hitting the net/Not from drugs."

Second-hand copies of the single are available from e-bay and amazon.co.uk - where it is currently rated five stars.

Darren met his hero at a Forest open day last week, but decided not to tell him of his chart plans.

"I didn't mention it - I wasn't sure how it would go down," he said.

A second group with the same aim has 90 members.

Nottingham-born Cole told the Post he was flattered fans still remembered his single - but he has no plans to swap his football boots for a microphone. "I wasn't aware of the campaign to get my song re-released. I have to admit I'm flattered, if not a little surprised that people actually remember I made it in the first place.

"I was a great deal younger when I made Outstanding and I can categorically say it will represent my one and only attempt to make an impression in the world of music."