Ashley Cole joins Chelsea coaching staff

Ashley Cole has joined former team-mate Frank Lampard in Chelsea’s coaching staff, where he will be working with the U15s.

Cole announced his retirement from professional football in September at the age of 38 following a successful 20-year playing career.

The three-time Premier League champion has taken a role in Chelsea’s youth academy as U15s coach and he will be looking to bring the next crop of youngsters through to Lampard’s first team.

“Chelsea have been quick and probably one of the first clubs to really tap into that, not just with coaches but staff in the loans team and other departments, to bring them back to pass on their experience and expertise.”

Cole spent the majority of his career at Arsenal and Chelsea before finishing with spells at LA Galaxy, Roma and Derby County.

The Champions League winner played under many decorated managers and he hopes to adopt some of their attributes into his own coaching style.