Cole sees red

Manchester United's Andy Cole has set a precedent in sending a letter of complaint to the FA chief executive Graham Kelly. Cole is furious about England manager Glen Hoddle's public criticism of the striker and has written the letter through his business adviser Paul Stretford.

The letter states that Hoddle may have reduced Cole's transfer value on the market, that his prospects of future commercial deals could be adversely affected and that Hoddle had lain him open to verbal abuse from fans.

Hoddle's criticism was that Ian Wright needed only one chance to score a goal while Cole needed seven. It's one thing annoying players, but tempting the fury of Alex Ferguson and Manchester United is never recommended.