Cole takes 'leap of faith' with Cesena
Ashley Cole won 107 caps for England, seventh on the all‑time list, but felt "discouraged" within the football pyramid from breaking out as a head coach.
Now in his first senior head coach role at Italian second‑division side Cesena, Cole has taken the first exciting opportunity offered to him, having previously assisted other managers while building his coaching education.
After completing his badges at Derby County under Frank Lampard, Cole went on to work in Chelsea's academy before further spells assisting managers at Everton, Birmingham City under Wayne Rooney, and within the England national team set‑up under Lee Carsley. He has built up nearly seven years of coaching experience.
However, a lack of head coach opportunities in England has led him back to Italy - where he played towards the end of his career with Roma - to take the reins at Cesena.
