Ashley Cole has been appointed as the head coach of Serie B side Cesena, marking his first managerial role. The former Arsenal, Chelsea and England full-back has been developing as a coach since retiring from playing in 2019.
Cole, 45, has previously worked with Frank Lampard at Derby, Chelsea and Everton, with Wayne Rooney at Birmingham, and with England and the Football Association. He now takes over at Cesena, who are eighth in the table and sacked Michele Mignani on Saturday.
Cole has signed a short-term deal until the end of June, with an option to extend “upon the fulfilment of certain conditions”. He will be assisted by former Chelsea academy coach Jack Mesure.
A statement on the Cesena website said: “The entire Cesena FC family is thrilled to welcome manager Ashley Cole to lead the Bianconeri first team and extends a warm welcome to him and his staff in Cesena, wishing them all the best of luck in this new adventure.”
