SOCCER: Cole named head coach of Serie B side Cesena

Italian Serie B club Cesena have appointed former England defender Ashley Cole as their new head coach, the club confirmed Sunday. Cole has signed a contract running until the end of June.

Cole, 45, enjoyed a highly successful playing career with Arsenal and Chelsea, winning three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. He also lifted the UEFA Champions League and Europa League trophies with Chelsea and earned 107 caps for the England national team.

This appointment marks Cole’s first managerial role. Cesena are currently eighth in the Serie B standings and will look to benefit from his extensive experience both on and off the pitch.

After retiring from professional football in 2019, following spells with AS Roma, LA Galaxy, and Derby County, Cole transitioned into coaching. He has worked in Chelsea’s youth academy and served as an assistant coach at Everton, Birmingham City, and with the England national team. -Reporting by Tommy Lund in GdanskEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters