Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Monday, March 16, 2026, 3:45 p.m. / Updated Monday, March 16, 2026, 3:54 p.m.
Former left-back Ashley Cole (45) has been named head coach at the team Cesenafrom Serie B.
This is his first head coaching role after an impressive playing career with Arsenal, Chelsea and the England national team.
Ashley Cole, officially presented at Cesena
Since retiring from playing in 2019, Cole has dedicated himself to developing a career in coaching. He gained experience working alongside Frank Lampard at Derby, Chelsea and Everton, but also alongside Wayne Rooney at Birmingham. He was also involved in the structures of the English Football Association.
Now, at 45, Cole is taking an unexpected career step, taking over a team in the Italian second division. Cesena sacked coach Michele Mignani on Saturday, so the former England international will take his place.
In a statement published on the official website, the club sent a welcome message: “The entire Cesena FC family is delighted to welcome manager Ashley Cole in charge of the Bianconeri first team. We extend a warm welcome to him and his staff at Cesena and wish them the best of luck in this new venture.”
Ashley Cole, officially presented at Cesena / photo: Facebook Cesena FC
Cole has signed a short-term contract until the end of June, which includes an automatic extension clause “upon the fulfillment of certain conditions”. The former English international will be helped in his new position by Jack Mesure, former coach at the Chelsea club's academy.
Fight for promotion to Serie A
At the moment, Cesena is in 8th place in Serie B, a position that ensures the presence in the promotion play-off in Serie A, a competition in which it has not participated since 2015.
The first test that Cole will have on Cesena's bench will take place on March 17, from 21:00, on Mantova's field.
Serie B standings
