Blackburn Rovers have finally brought a proven goal scorer to Ewood Park with the purchase of Andy Cole for around £8 million.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness clinched the signing of Cole from Manchester United on a three-and-a-half year contract and the 30-year-old England striker revealed his frustration at being left on the bench at Old Trafford had forced him to leave the champions.

Cole told a press conference 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."

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. 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."

ANDY COLE FACTFILE

1971: Born Nottingham, October 15.

1989: Signs for Arsenal, but makes only one League appearance, as substitute against Sheffield United at Highbury in 1990-91 season.

1991: Appears as substitute in Charity Shield draw with Tottenham at Wembley, but fails to break into Highbury first team and has loan spell at Fulham, scoring four goals in 15 games.

1992: Scores on England Under-21 debut against Hungary. Another loan, this time to Bristol City, where eight goals in 12 games up to end of 91-92 campaign lead to £500,000 transfer to Ashton Gate in July.

1993: After Cole nets 17 goals in 37 appearances in 1992-93 season, Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan buys him for then club-record £1.75million in March. Cole scores 12 goals in Newcastle's final 12 League games, helping them win Endsleigh League first division title.

1994: Cole ends 1993-94 season, his first in Premiership, with club-record 41 goals as Newcastle qualify for Europe. His partnership with Peter Beardsley (24 goals) is most prolific in country. Recognition from his fellow professionals comes with PFA Young Player of the Year award. Makes impressive start to this season, with 14 goals in his first 17 matches, but is hindered by shin problem. Made his England B debut, against the Republic of Ireland in December, and scored a goal.

1995: Moves to Manchester United in British record £7million deal. Scores five goals in 9-0 thrashing of Ipswich at Old Trafford, a Premier League record. Makes England debut as a substitute against Uruguay and hits the crossbar in 0-0 draw.

1996: Scores 11 goals in 34 games as United win double. Left out of Euro 96 squad. Misses start of 1996/97 season with pneumonia before being sidelined with two fractured shins after a foul by Neil Ruddock in a reserve team game.

1997: Scores in successive victories at Blackburn and Liverpool as Alex Ferguson's men retain the title. Recalled by England boss Glenn Hoddle for Le Tournoi de France.

1998: Scores 26 goals in all competitions but former club Arsenal win double. Is left out of World Cup squad by Hoddle.

1999: Teams up with Dwight Yorke to fire United to Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League Treble, scoring 24 goals in all.

2000: Scores 14th Champions League goal to equal Denis Law's record for United.

May - Misses Euro 2000 due to injury after United retain title.

September 1 - viewed as successor to Alan Shearer after being picked as lone striker by Kevin Keegan to play France in friendly.

2001: Struggling to hold down regular starting place for United following the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Is in favour with new England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson at the start of the Swede's reign, but has not started in the last four games. He was an unused substitute against Germany in Munich and against Albania at St James' Park. He came on at half-time against Greece at Old Trafford and didn't figure in the friendly against Sweden, also at Old Trafford.

December 29: United agree terms with Blackburn Rovers for Cole's prospective move to Ewood Park. Cole given permission to have personal terms talks with Blackburn.