Ashley Cole has been appointed as head coach of Serie B side Cesena, marking his first managerial role. The former Arsenal, Chelsea and England full-back, 45, has been developing as a coach since retiring from playing in 2019.
Cole’s coaching career has included spells working with Frank Lampard at Derby County, Chelsea and Everton, with Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City, and with the England national team and the Football Association.
He now makes an unexpected move to Italy’s second tier, taking over at Cesena, who are eighth in the table. The club 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 read: “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.”
