Former England and Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole is set to embark on the next chapter of his footballing journey, with reports confirming he will take over as head coach of Italian Serie B club Cesena.
The 45-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of his generation, is poised to assume his first senior managerial position following the dismissal of Michele Mignani.
Cole, who made 107 appearances for England and enjoyed a glittering club career with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Roma, is expected to finalize his move to the Emilia-Romagna side imminently. According to Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, Cole has already arrived in Italy for physical meetings with the Cesena hierarchy to sign the contract.
The decision to part ways with Mignani came swiftly after Cesena were held to a 2-2 draw by Frosinone, a result that extended the club’s winless run and left them sitting in eighth place, the final slot currently available for the promotion play-offs.
For Cole, who hung up his boots in 2019 after a spell with Derby County, this appointment represents the culmination of years of careful preparation in coaching.
Since retiring, the former left-back has accumulated experience as an assistant to Frank Lampard at Derby County, Chelsea, and Everton, and most recently served on the England Under-21 staff under Lee Carsley.
Speaking in December 2025, Cole reflected on how his journey into coaching has shaped his perspective, emphasizing his desire to nurture the next generation of talent.
“I had a long, good career and it was, you know a few things. Giving back to football, that gave me a lot. Trying to help and develop people and create the new Ashley Cole, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira,” Cole said. “You start to learn people. You know, is he mad? Is he angry? Is he sad? Is he super happy? Through coaching, that’s given me that ability to read people a bit. Which I think in the long run is going to make people better. So, I definitely learnt how to be a better person through my coaching journey.”
Cole is no stranger to Italian football, having spent two seasons with Roma between 2014 and 2016, making 11 appearances in the Serie A.
That experience is expected to aid his transition back to the peninsula, though the challenge awaiting him in Serie B is formidable. Cesena have struggled for consistency, with their last victory coming against Pescara on February 6.
The gap to the promotion-chasing pack is significant, with fourth-placed Palermo currently 17 points ahead of the Cavallari Marini.
Despite his lack of experience as a number one, Cole’s appointment signals intent from Cesena’s American ownership. The club, which has a proud history of nurturing coaching talent, having been associated with legends like Arrigo Sacchi and Marcello Lippi, will be hoping Cole’s leadership qualities and defensive acumen can steady the ship.
His playing career saw him learn under tactical masters such as Arsène Wenger, José Mourinho, and Carlo Ancelotti, experiences that will undoubtedly inform his approach from the dugout.
If all formalities are completed swiftly, Cole could make his managerial debut as early as next weekend, when Cesena face US Catanzaro 1929. For now, the former England international is expected to observe from the stands during Cesena’s upcoming fixture against Mantova.
Cole’s transition to the touchline adds another high-profile name to the growing list of former players stepping into management.