Ashley Cole has left his role as head coach of Italian second-tier side Cesena just three months after being appointed.
Cole, 45, was handed his first managerial role when taking over in March and won one of his eight matches in charge of the Serie ‘B’ outfit, who finished 11th after their play-off push faltered.
It was reported at the time that the ex-Chelsea and Arsenal defender must meet ‘certain conditions’ in order to be offered a new contract. There had also been uproar from Cesena fans at the decision to sack his predecessor, Michele Mignani.
But Cole claims he has decided to seek a new challenge elsewhere after his deal ended.
‘As my tenure at Cesena FC concludes today, I want to thank the players and staff for their hard work and commitment over the last few months,’ Cole wrote on Instagram.
‘I was proud to bring my experience to such a passionate club, and I’ve truly enjoyed working with the squad to introduce a new identity and prepare for the season ahead.
’Following recent discussions with the Sporting Director regarding a change in the club’s strategy, I have decided that it is best for me to move on.
‘I leave with great respect for all the people there, as well as the fans, and look forward to my next challenge.’
Cole has been a coach at various levels since retiring from football in 2019, most recently with the Football Association as a full-time national coach.
He has also served as Frank Lampard’s assistant at Everton and Chelsea, and held the same role at Birmingham City when Wayne Rooney was in charge.
The 107-cap England international then worked with the U21 national team and assisted Lee Carsley for the senior squad.
As a player, Cole made more than 700 appearances before retiring with Derby County in 2019.
He won the Champions League with Chelsea, as well as a Premier League title and four FA Cups during his time at Stamford Bridge. He also won the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield with the Blues.
The defender moved to Chelsea after breaking through at Arsenal, where he had collected two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two Community Shields.
He has played on Italian soil before, too, having joined Serie A giants AS Roma from Chelsea in 2014, spending two years in Rome before joining LA Galaxy and finishing his career at Derby.
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