Allan Aloysius "Skill" Cole (14 October 1950 – 9 September 2025), was a Jamaican professional footballer who played as a forward. He represented Jamaica at international level. During his career, Cole was Jamaica's "most celebrated player".
In addition to his football career, Cole was also the tour manager of the Jamaican reggae star Bob Marley and his band The Wailers during the 1970s.
Early years Cole was born on 14 October 1950, and grew up in the middle-income neighbourhood of Woodford Park in Kingston, Jamaica. His father, Allan Cole Sr, was a civil servant, and his mother was a dressmaker.
Career Cole played in the North American Soccer League with the Atlanta Chiefs and in Brazil with Náutico.NASL career stats
He appeared in three FIFA World Cup qualifying matches for the Jamaica national team.
Music Cole is credited on Bob Marley and the Wailers' Rastaman Vibration album as co-writing the 1976 song "War", though according to The Guardian the lyrics were actually from a speech by Haile Selassie that Cole brought to Marley's attention.
Death Cole died on 9 September 2025, in Kingston, at the age of 74.
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