"He wasn't great tonight, he'd be the first to hold his hands up and that's why he was replaced, but I could have replaced the other 10 also."
That might be true with the exception of Liam Rosenior. The 20-year-old full-back, who agreed a new two-year contract last week, provided further evidence of his burgeoning talent with a performance that was the very antithesis to Cole's listless display.
Rosenior's wonderful combination of flair and enthusiasm was rewarded late on when he carved the opening for Tomasz Radzinski's consolation goal. "He's been a big plus for us this season and the goal we scored epitomised Liam Rosenior because he never gives up," added Coleman.
The same might be said for Luis Boa Morte, who has done much to secure Fulham's Premiership status, though last night he was perhaps guilty of trying too hard.
His apparent desire to impress can, however, be forgiven. Boa Morte was close to joining Newcastle in January before signing a contract extension at Fulham, though rumours persist that Graeme Souness will return with a renewed offer in the summer.
The Portuguese winger created Fulham's only meaningful opening of the first half when his flighted pass caused Shay Given to race from his line. The Newcastle goalkeeper's clearance fell to Lee Clark, but his looping header sailed over the bar.
Fulham were already trailing at that point, having fallen behind to Darren Ambrose's 18th-minute strike. Patrick Kluivert doubled the visitors' advantage shortly after the hour mark when he headed Charles N'Zogbia's deep corner beyond Edwin van der Sar, and soon after Shola Ameobi nodded in a third.
Many Fulham fans had already left when Radzinski scored three minutes from time, though Steed Malbranque wisely opted to stay until the end. The Frenchman stormed out of the ground on Saturday when he failed to make the substitutes' bench.
Malbranque was again left out last night, though Coleman insists he is still wanted at the club.
"Of course, he has got a future here," said the Fulham manager. "He's a good player. I was disappointed that he walked out [on Saturday] - I didn't like that. I didn't find out until after the game what he had done.
"But he was here tonight and showed his commitment that he wants to get back in. He wasn't sulking, he was in the dressing room and that's what it's all about. It's not all about one person, it's about the team and the club."
