Cole could still be a Claret next season

Andrew Cole receiving his award from the West Yorkshire Clarets

Manager Owen Coyle said recently that he'd like Cole to stay with us next season but that would be a permanent deal with his contract on Wearside set to end this summer. And the player himself has now hinted he could be ready to extend his career, and he's said the supporters are playing a part particularly after this week.

"The reception the supporters gave me this week at the Player of the Year nights was tremendous and I would like to thank them for that," the striker said. "It has given me food for thought in terms of continuing my career here and hopefully I will sit down with the gaffer when the season is over and we will see what happens."

Cole has netted six goals since joining the Clarets in February, and three of those came in the amazing fight back at QPR in February, a hat trick that won him the West Yorkshire Clarets Champagne Moment of the Season at the Supporters' Clubs Awards night on Tuesday.

Manager Owen Coyle has more than once suggested that he'd like him to stay next season and said this week: "Myself and Andrew have a terrific relationship. We are very open and frank with how we go about our business and we'll sit down and have a chat.

"I do know he has loved his time at the football club and I think he's shown when he's fit that he has an awful lot to offer. I have now to make sure that Andrew still feels he will have a big part to play so we will have a chat and see where that takes us."