Ashley Cole leaves Birmingham to focus full-time on new England role after Lee Carsley’s impressive start as interim boss
- Ashley Cole was called in to support Lee Carsley during his temporary stint
- He played a balanced role for both club and country but will soon leave the Blues
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Ashley Cole has stepped down from his role as assistant coach at Birmingham City to focus on his role at Birmingham City and to pursue his national team coaching ambitions.
Cole was confirmed as one of Lee Carsley’s assistants in August, but he took on his new responsibilities alongside his duties at the League One club.
Carsley was taken over as interim manager of the men’s senior team following the departure of Gareth Southgate and will lead the team for at least six games.
His tenure got off to a brilliant start with 2-0 victories over Ireland and Finland in the UEFA Nations League, with Cole part of his support staff.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Cole worked with Carsley at Under-21 level, combining that role with coaching the Blues, Everton and later Birmingham.
Cole was brought in to support Lee Carsley following his appointment as interim head coach
Ashley Cole will step down from his role at Birmingham to focus on his work with England
The League One club released a statement confirming Cole’s departure from the Blues.
‘Blues can confirm the departure of First Team Coach Ashley Cole.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Cole worked with Carsley at Under-21 level, combining that role with coaching the Blues, Everton and later Birmingham.
‘The 43-year-old joined the club in October 2023 and spent more than 10 months playing for the men’s first team, with the recent Sky Bet League One win over Wigan Athletic being his last game.
‘He has played 107 times for England and will now take on a full-time role as assistant to interim manager Lee Carsley for the Three Lions’ autumn matches in the UEFA Nations League, League B Group 2. The first two games were against Ireland and Finland during the recent international break.
‘Everyone at Blues wishes Ashley all the best for the future.’
As reported by Post SportThe FA has begun discussions with potential candidates for the position of full-time head coach.
However, Carsley appears to be the number one candidate and Cole is said to have impressed the FA enough to stay on indefinitely.
Cole joined Birmingham in October 2023 after Wayne Rooney was appointed head coach
Cole played a key role in Carsley’s 2023 European Under-21 Championship triumph
Cole joined Birmingham in October 2023 following the appointment of Wayne Rooney, and has since remained under successive bosses Tony Mowbray, Gary Rowett and Chris Davies.
The 43-year-old was part of Carsley’s coaching team during the Young Lions’ victory at the 2023 European Under-21 Championship.
As Mail Sport’s Ian Ladyman revealed, Cole contributed to the relaxed atmosphere during the international break, something that has been a key part of Southgate’s governance.
Joleon Lescott, another former England international, and Tim Dittmer, the FA’s head of coaching, were also brought in alongside Carsley last month.
Cole played 107 international matches for his country between 2001 and 2014.
