Ashley Cole Appointed Cesena FC Head Coach

Ashley Cole, the former England international and Premier League defender, has been appointed head coach of Italian second-division club Cesena FC, marking his first senior managerial position. The 45-year-old Englishman takes over immediately, with the club announcing the move on Sunday following the dismissal of his predecessor the day before.

Cole's contract runs until the end of the current season on June 30, 2026, and includes an option for extension if specific performance conditions are met. He steps in at a critical juncture for Cesena, who sit eighth in Serie B and hold the final playoff spot for promotion to Serie A. The team is just two points clear of ninth-placed Sudtirol with eight regular-season matches remaining. Their recent form has been poor, with a run of seven winless games, including a 2-2 home draw against Frosinone on Saturday that prompted the coaching change.

The club, owned by American businessman Mike Melby, parted ways with Michele Mignani after his tenure failed to secure consistent results. "The entire Cesena FC family is thrilled to welcome manager Ashley Cole to lead the Bianconeri first team and extends a warm welcome to him and his staff in...