Ashley Cole has left Birmingham City’s coaching setup after being offered a permanent role with the England senior team, according to reports.
The former Chelsea and England left-back, who joined Birmingham alongside Wayne Rooney last October, will now work with interim England manager Lee Carsley. Cole previously assisted Carsley with the England Under-21 side and, more recently, during the September international break. His work impressed the Football Association, leading to this prestigious promotion.
It has been rumoured for months that Cole was eager to move on from Birmingham to pursue higher-profile roles, with ambitions beyond League One football. Although unfortunate for Birmingham City, his departure is amicable, with no ill feelings between Cole and the club.
Cole’s exit leaves a significant gap at the club, especially for players like Ethan Laird, who has greatly benefited from Cole’s mentoring. Laird has credited Cole for helping him develop his game, especially by focusing on the finer details that elevate his performance.
The Blues are currently 4th in League One after an impressive start to the 2024/25 season. They’ve secured three wins and a draw from their first four matches, amassing 10 points and staying unbeaten so far. Their most recent victory was a 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic. The team’s next fixture is against Exeter City away from home, a key clash as they continue their push for promotion back to the Championship after relegation last season.
Site Opinion: Significant Loss
Ashley Cole’s departure is a significant loss for Birmingham City, particularly in terms of his influence on the players. His experience at the highest level of the game is irreplaceable, and his ability to mentor players like Ethan Laird helped foster a positive learning environment at the club. However, the opportunity to work with the England senior team is a natural progression for someone of Cole’s calibre, and it’s understandable that he would seize such a prestigious role.
For Birmingham, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum in League One. The team has started the season well, and Chris Davies will need to ensure that the squad stays focused as they continue their promotion push. While Cole’s expertise will be missed, this is an opportunity for other coaches to step up and fill the leadership void he leaves behind.
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