Chelsea legend Ashley Cole is joining the coaching staff of the Blues. The 38-year-old recently announced his retirement from professional football on live television. He was last on the books of Derby County where he played under new Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.
“I’ve worked under some great managers, took a lot from them so I will go back to Chelsea and work with their under-15s and see where it goes from there.” Cole said as quoted by The Sun.
Cole will contribute a lot to the Blues
Cole was widely regarded as being one of the best left-backs in the World during the years of 2000-2010 though he had his fair share of detractors and enemies due to some controversial off the field antics. He made a name for himself at Arsenal and was part of the Gunners team which made history by winning the Premier League without losing a game during the 2003/04 season. Few would regard Cole as a Arsenal legend though as his reputation in the eyes of many Gunners fans was destroyed by his controversial switch to Chelsea during the summer of 2006.
Chelsea need as much guidance as they can get this season on and off the field. They have been forced to utilize players who are arguably not as yet complete products due to their two window transfer ban. As one of the best English players from the past generation, Cole will be able to inspire many of the young players from the squad and can be a mentor to defenders.
Cole and Lampard also appear to have a good working relationship and this will only benefit the team. The duo were team-mates for many years at Chelsea and England and Cole also opted to end his career with the Rams under Lampard when he most definitely would have received more financially lucrative offers.
Chelsea should eventually rope in Cole to assist with the first team if he manages to succeed while working with the youth. He certainly will have the expertise and knowledge to succeed but time will tell whether he will do so.
