Ashley Cole could be set to make his debut managerial bow after being targeted by a host of English clubs who are keen to give him a first opportunity in the dugout, according to reports.
The Chelsea and England legend forged a career as one of English football’s greatest full-backs and has been working on gaining his coaching credentials since retiring.
Cole has enjoyed spells working in assistant roles alongside other former professionals and is now wanted in a head coach position by chasing Championship clubs, as reported by The Mirror.
Time spent working in a support role to former Everton boss Frank Lampard at Goodison Park was followed by another stint under his former team-mate during an interim stint at Chelsea, before joining Wayne Rooney at Birmingham for a 15-game tenure.
He also formed part of Lee Carsley’s coaching team with England’s Under-21 team that lifted the European Championship last summer.
There was an expectation that Cole could replace Rooney at the Midlands club after the Man United legend was sacked after just 83 days, before Birmingham directors opted to appoint Tony Mowbray and later Gary Rowett.
However, Cole could return to Birmingham in the summer after the club were relegated to League One, with Rowett set to leave following a third spell at the club.
The test of taking the St Andrews club back to the Championship is the priority, but Cole would be stepping into one of EFL’s most volatile roles if he did decide to take the opportunity.
Nine different individuals have taken to the dugout in a mix of permanent and interim positions at Birmingham over the last four years.
Three-time Premier League winner Cole has ambitions to become a top manager after the Football Association supported him through completing his coaching badges.
Cole’s playing career saw him work under a host of legendary managers including Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, and previously explained how he wants to use the qualities learnt under them to become a top coach.
‘It’s something I definitely want to get into. Hopefully in a few years I can go into a managerial role,’ he said three year ago.
‘I would love to take bits from all my managers. If I could take all those three together and squash them into one hopefully that will be me! A tough task.
‘Carlo Ancelotti was key at man-managing, and understanding the person and trying to get the best out of the person. He set up sessions so that the minute you got into the training ground you wanted to get out and be on that pitch,’ he added.
