Premiership: Cole completes move to Blackburn

Blackburn have completed the signing of Andy Cole from Manchester United.

He has signed a three-and-a-half year contract.

Cole revealed that his frustration at being left on the bench at Old Trafford had forced him to leave.

Cole said after Blackburn's 1-0 defeat at home to Derby: "It was a big decision. When you leave a club like Manchester United it's always going to be a big decision.

"I am 30 and it's very important that in the next few years I'm playing football. That's all I want to do. I don't enjoy being on the bench.

"I am really looking forward to playing here. I spoke at great length to the manager and at what he was looking to do at the club and that made my mind up."

Rovers did not reveal what the fee was for Cole (although it is thought to be in the region of £8m), who signed a four-year deal with United in February, but manager Graeme Souness was delighted to have captured a player he hopes can end his side's problems in front of goal.

"I am absolutely delighted," said Souness.

"I've said all season that the thing we have missed is someone who is a goalscorer and, in Andy, we've gone for the very best. It would be hard for us to make a better signing.

"I'm really happy. Players are very expensive and the board have pushed the boat out."