ASHLEY COLE has landed his first job in management in a shock move.
The Chelsea and England legend takes up his maiden managerial gig in Serie B with Cesena FC.
Cole has signed a short-term deal, with the option to extend the contract if he meets “certain conditions”.
He will bring former Chelsea academy coach Jack Mesure in as his assistant.
Cesena are currently sitting eighth in Serie B, having sacked former boss Michele Mignani on Saturday afternoon.
Cole, 45, is no stranger to the coaching side of the game, after taking on various roles since hanging up his boots.
He had spells alongside Frank Lampard at Chelsea and Everton, when his old team-mate was manager, while he also coached at Derby County.
He assisted Lee Carsley during his interim spell in charge of the England national team.
In September 2024, he was appointed a full-time national coach by The FA.
The Three Lions legend, who won 107 caps for his country, also has experience working with Birmingham City.
Now he will not only make the step up to being the main man, but he will do it on foreign soil as he begins his first step on the manager ladder.
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That is the cut off point to enter the preliminary play-offs for a shot at promotion to Serie A and the big time.
The winners in the games between 5th and 8th advance to join those finishing third and fourth in the semi-finals.
Palermo are currently 17 points ahead of Cole’s new side in fourth meaning any hopes of going up will need to be done the hard way.
Venezia and Monza are the current top two in the division.
Cesena are on the road at Mantova on Tuesday night, but that might come too soon for Cole to be on the sidelines.
They play at home to Catanzaro next Saturday.
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