Former England defender Ashley Cole says he grew frustrated with the lack of coaching opportunities in England before securing his first senior managerial role at Cesena.
Cole, who earned 107 caps for England during his playing career, admitted he began to feel discouraged after several failed attempts to land a top job despite years of preparation.
“I was getting kind of discouraged by a lack of opportunities, from some clubs in England I spoke to,” Cole told BBC Sport.
Years of experience but no breakthrough
Since retiring, Cole has built a steady coaching career. He completed his coaching badges while working under Frank Lampard at Derby County.
He later moved into assistant and academy roles at Chelsea, Everton, and Birmingham City under Wayne Rooney. He also worked with the England national team setup alongside Lee Carsley.
Despite this experience, Cole said he often faced doubts about his readiness to step into a senior role.
“They like to throw the ‘you don’t have experience’ line,” he said.
“And I’m like, I get what you’re saying, but how am I going to get experience?”
Cole described the situation as a cycle many assistants face, where they are judged for lacking experience but are not given the chance to gain it.
Cesena move offers long-awaited breakthrough
The move to Cesena marks Cole’s first opportunity to lead a senior team. The Italian club has handed him full control, ending a long wait for a managerial breakthrough.
Cole sees the role as the right place to start and prove himself.
“It is a great place to be and to start. We’re going to do something different, a bit special,” he said.
The appointment also represents a return to Italy, where Cole previously played for AS Roma.
Bigger picture beyond one appointment
Cole also acknowledged the wider significance of his move. He pointed out that very few Black English coaches are currently working in Italy.
“I don’t think there are too many Black English coaches working in Italy,” he said.
“It is a massive leap of faith from them and I’m very proud to be here.”
His comments have added to ongoing conversations around coaching pathways, trust in young managers, and the barriers former players face when trying to step into leadership roles.
A test of belief and opportunity
Cole’s appointment now shifts the focus from opportunity to performance. After years of waiting, he has the platform to prove he can lead at the highest level.
For Cesena, the decision is also a calculated risk. The club is backing a coach without prior head coaching experience, but one who brings elite playing pedigree and years of learning behind the scenes.
The next phase will determine whether that leap of faith pays off.
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