BLACKBURN Rovers insist there are no concrete plans to appoint former striker Andy Cole as a forwards coach - despite reports linking him with a return to Ewood Park.

Rovers chairman John Williams moved quickly to dismiss the imminent arrival of Cole, after his release from Nottingham Forest, but refused to rule out a future move for the ex-England man.

Cole has always stated a desire to go into coaching and management after his playing days are over but no agreement has been drawn up with Rovers.

Boss Paul Ince though is friends with Andy Cole after their days together at Old Trafford and is understood to have mentioned the potential of a future deal.

Williams said: “There has been no agreement or any talk of a deal with Andy Cole. That is not to say it won’t happen but not just now .”

The 37-year-old had his Forest contract cancelled by mutual consent at the end of last month and looks set to call time on an illustrious playing career.

Ince is a known admirer of his former team-mate though, only recently describing the striker as world class.

He said last month: “As a player he was world class. It was a shame he should have played more games for England with his goal scoring record.

“He is one of the best goal scorers I have played with. I spoke to him a few years ago and he said then he was looking to do his coaching badges.”