ASHLEY COLE is being targeted for his first managerial job, according to reports.
The former England defender, 43, enjoyed a decorated playing career before becoming a coach.
He has worked under his former team-mates in Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney previously, joining the latter at Birmingham this season.
Cole remains a coach at Blues months after Rooney was sacked after just 15 games in charge.
But now the former Chelsea star could be handed the reins for the first time amid interest from several Championship clubs, according to The Mirror.
It is a division Cole knows well from his time at Birmingham, while he also coached at Derby between 2018-19.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
He then left to follow Lampard to Chelsea as first-team coach, having previously worked with the Premier League side’s academy.
Cole also worked with Lampard at Everton, but his best achievement so far came with England’s Under-21s, helping the team win the Euros last summer for the first time in 40 years.
The former left-back has previously expressed an interest in becoming a manager, stating he is “raring to go”.
Cole said: “It’s definitely something I’m taking really seriously.
Most read in Championship
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Ashley Cole career stats
Arsenal – 228 games, 2000-06
Chelsea – 337 games, 2006-14
Roma – 16 games, 2014-16
LA Galaxy – 94 games, 2016-18
Derby – 12 games, 2018-19
Honours
Champions League – 2012
Premier League x3 – 2002, 2004, 2010
FA Cup x7 – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012
Europa League – 2013
League Cup – 2007
“I have been trying to get as much experience as I can and develop myself as a person as well as a coach.
“I have still a lot to learn but being here is going to help me massively.
“I don’t think going into coaching or management should scare anyone.
“You know there will be doubts with young coaches because it is ruthless but I am raring to go and waiting for my opportunity.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
