ANDY Cole today issued a heartfelt thank-you to those Blackburn fans who have stood by him during one of the most frustrating spells of his career.

Cole began the season in red-hot form but the goals have since dried up for the former England striker and he was axed from the starting 11 altogether on Saturday in favour of new signing, Jon Stead.

However, the small army of Rovers fans who made the trip to Middlesbrough still chanted his name as he warmed up on the touchline at the Riverside.

And the 32-year-old has stressed that support means a lot to him as he focuses on the task of winning his place back in Graeme Souness's starting 11.

"I want to thank the fans for the way they've stood by me through thick and thin," said Cole.

"When I've not been in the side, they've still chanted my name when I've been on the bench and that means a lot to me.

"They were brilliant once again on Saturday when I was warming up on the touchline and I just want to let them know that I really appreciate their support.

"I know I've had a poor season but I've always given my best whenever I've played.

"You can't cheat the supporters and if they didn't think I was giving 100 per cent then they wouldn't chant my name like they do."

Cole admits he was disappointed to be left out of the team at the weekend, especially as he had scored in the recent games against Wolves and Bolton.

But he accepted the manager's decision to hand a surprise debut to Stead, particularly after the 20-year-old swooped to score the winner against Boro.

"At the end of the day, everyone has got their own opinion and the manager is entitled to his," said Cole.

"If he feels Jon Stead can do a job for him then fair enough.

"But I'm still confident in my own ability. I'm the second leading goalscorer in Premiership history and I don't feel as though I need to prove myself.

"I want to stay here and see out my contract, like I've said all along, but that is out of my hands, as anyone who knows anything about football knows.

"I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully the goals will come."

In the meantime, Cole described Saturday's victory at the Riverside as a 'major win', especially with all the other sides at the bottom losing.

However, with Cole's old club, Newcastle, next up at Ewood tomorrow, Rovers' leading scorer knows it's vital to keep that momentum going now.

"It was a major win for us, especially as all the other teams down at the bottom got beat," said Cole.

"But if we don't win tomorrow then we could get sucked back into it again.

"It's no good just winning one game, we've got to look to put a run together."

Rovers are looking to complete a league double over the Magpies following a magnificent victory at St James's earlier in the season.

That result was a blow to United's hopes of finishing in the top four but Bobby Robson's side have since got their season back on track.

And Cole believes it won't be long before his old club are back in a position to challenge for silverware again.

"The fans are desperate for success at Newcastle and they've got the players to win things," added Cole.

"I think it's only a matter of time before everything falls into place for them.

"Their fans will be disappointed that they didn't have a better run in the FA Cup this year.

"But if they continue to attract quality players then I can see them being successful.

"I've got a lot of happy memories from my time at Newcastle. They gave me the opportunity to play in the big time.

"They were the first club I played for in the Premiership and after that I went on to have the best time of my career at Manchester United."

Blackburn Rovers are in action against West Brom in the FA Youth Cup tonight at Morecambe's Christie Park.

The fourth round tie has already been postponed twice. Kick-off is 7pm.