Frustrated Cole Dumps England for Italian Job

Former England defender Ashley Cole has assumed his first senior head coaching position with Italian side Cesena FC, a move that follows years of unsuccessful attempts to secure a managerial role in English football.

Cole, who won 107 caps for the Three Lions during a decorated playing career, told BBC Sport on Thursday that repeated rejections from English clubs had left him “discouraged.” He was quoted as saying: “I was getting kind of discouraged by a lack of opportunities, from some clubs in England I spoke to.”

The 45-year-old former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back has spent nearly seven years building his coaching credentials. He completed his coaching badges under Frank Lampard at Derby County and subsequently held assistant roles with Chelsea’s academy, Everton FC, Birmingham City FC alongside Wayne Rooney, and the England national team setup with Lee Carsley.

Despite this accumulated experience, Cole said English clubs frequently questioned his readiness for top responsibility. “They like to throw the ‘you don’t have experience’ line. And I’m like, I get what you’re saying, I agree, but how am I going to get experience?” he stated, according to the BBC report.

He added: “That’s the battle you have to fight as a number two for six or seven years, you have to take a leap of faith, but a club also has to take a leap of faith.”

Cole’s appointment at Cesena marks a return to Italy, where he previously played for AS Roma towards the end of his playing career. He acknowledged the significance of the opportunity as one of few Black English coaches working in Italian football.

“I don’t think there are too many Black English coaches working in Italy, so yes, it is a massive leap of faith from them and I’m very proud to be here,” Cole was quoted as saying.

He expressed optimism about the project ahead, stating: “It is a great place to be and to start. I’m glad I’m back. We’re going to do something different, a bit special.”

Cesena FC currently competes in Serie B, the second tier of Italian football. The club finished in mid-table last season and will look to Cole for a fresh direction as he embarks on his managerial career away from English shores.