Ryan Gordon coach retweetledi
Every time I’ve watched England Under-21s train at home or abroad over the past five years, Ashley Cole was out there early, laying out the balls and cones (pic below), discussing the session with the head coach Lee Carsley. He gave individual instruction to defenders like Levi Colwill and Tino Livramento. They spoke highly of Cole’s counsel and desire to improve them as players. His work ethic and humility inspired them.
In matches, Cole would sort the subs with the fourth official. No airs or graces, even though Cole was a genuine superstar as a player. He was the most consistent of the Golden Generation, England’s greatest ever left-back, seventh on his country’s all-time appearance list with 107 caps, winner of seven trophies with Arsenal, nine with Chelsea. He stood up to Cristiano Ronaldo and Arjen Robben. He nailed his two shootout penalties in the 2008 and 2012 UCL finals. He was an elite competitor and winner.
After retiring at 38, Cole could have played golf or gone into punditry. Instead, he’s built a coaching career. Along with some other reporters, I helped Cole do the media module of his Pro Licence at St George’s Park. Cole's attention to detail and desire to deliver in his second career was very clear to us.
Cole worked his way up, assisting Frank Lampard at Derby, coaching in Chelsea’s academy when Lampard went to the Bridge, and then assisting Lampard at Everton. He assisted Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City. He also assisted Carsley in his six games as caretaker of England’s seniors before becoming a full-time FA coach.
Cole, 45, now takes on his first managerial role – at Cesena in Serie B. It’s only until the end of June but an experience, an education and with the possibility of a longer stay. Good luck to Cole. He’s earned the opportunity. He’s grafted for it.
English
