Ashley Cole's Gaffer Debut: From Invincible Full-Back to Cesena Boss – And He's Already Picking Up Wins!
Ashley Cole has taken his first senior managerial role at Serie B's Cesena, securing a win after an opening defeat. Former teammate Joe Cole hailed him as a top pick overlooked by bigger clubs. The appointment, reported by ESPN Italy and Chris Flanagan at FourFourTwo, has Cesena dreaming of playoffs.
Ashley Cole's Gaffer Debut: From Invincible Full-Back to Cesena Boss – And He's Already Picking Up Wins!
Picture this: one of the Premier League's most decorated left-backs swaps his boots for a tracksuit and takes the reins at a mid-table Serie B side. That's exactly what's happened with Ashley Cole, the former Arsenal and Chelsea star, who's just landed his first senior managerial job at Cesena.
As reported by ESPN Italy and Chris Flanagan at FourFourTwo, Cole penned a deal until June 2026, with an option to extend. The 44-year-old – make that 45 now – steps into the hot seat at a club sitting pretty in the playoff spots, eighth in Italy's second tier. Cesena's statement gushed about welcoming their new gaffer and his staff, promising a cracking adventure ahead.
A Playing Career That Screams 'Winner'
Let's rewind. Cole wasn't just any full-back; he was the full-back. Three Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and 107 caps for England. He terrorised defenders from Highbury to Stamford Bridge, then popped over to Roma for a stint in Serie A between 2014 and 2016.
Post-retirement in 2019, he didn't hang up his boots entirely. He cut his coaching teeth in Chelsea's academy, then bounced around Everton, Birmingham City, Derby, and even England U21s – helping the Young Lions snag back-to-back Euros. There was a cheeky spell with the senior Three Lions under interim boss Lee Carsley too. The lad's CV is thicker than a Sunday roast.
Cesena, the Bianconeri, snapped him up last week. It's his big break, and boy, did the football world take notice – especially his old mucker Joe Cole.
Rocky Start, But a Proper Response
No fairy-tale opener for Ash. His first game in charge? A 3-0 thumping at Mantova. Whispers suggested he'd tweaked the formation without enough training time, leaving the lads scrambling. Fair play, though – they bounced back like true pros.
Come the weekend, Cesena smashed 3-1 past promotion hopefuls Catanzaro. Cole's first win as a manager, and what a statement. The players adapted, the tactics clicked, and suddenly, playoff dreams feel a tad brighter. Eighth place? That's no mean feat in the cut-throat world of Serie B.
Joe Cole: 'Ash Should Be Interviewing Clubs!'
Enter Joe Cole, Ashley's ex-Chelsea and England teammate, spilling the beans on their podcast Could It Be Magic?. FourFourTwo caught up with them mid-recording, and Joe didn't hold back.
"Every club outside the top 10 in the Prem should be queuing up for him," Joe reckoned. He'd quizzed England players who'd worked under Ash – U21s and seniors alike – and they raved about his prep and diligence. "He's done everything right. He should be interviewing the clubs, not the other way round!"
Ashley admitted he'd chatted with other outfits before, but nothing stuck. Joe was gobsmacked: "People in football getting jobs, yet Ash has ticked every box." It's that mate-at-the-bar vibe – honest, passionate, and dead right.
The podcast, sponsored by Carling, is a must-listen on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you pod. Joe and Ash dissecting the game? Pure gold.
What's Next for the Cole Train?
Cesena's family is buzzing, and with Cole's winning mentality, who knows? Serie B playoffs are within grasp, and promotion talk isn't wild. From Roma loan spell to managing in Italy – full circle.
Football loves an underdog story, and Ashley Cole's managerial tale is just kicking off. If his first win's anything to go by, expect more headlines. Grab a pint; this could be fun.
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