Former England defender Ashley Cole has taken his first senior head coaching role at Cesena in Italy's Serie B, citing a lack of opportunities in English football as his motivation. The 43-year-old, who won 107 caps for England, felt discouraged by clubs dismissing his coaching ambitions due to insufficient experience.

Cole's journey through coaching began at Derby County under Frank Lampard, followed by stints at Chelsea's academy, Everton, Birmingham City under Wayne Rooney, and the England national team set-up. Despite seven years of experience, English clubs repeatedly told him he lacked the necessary experience to manage, creating a frustrating paradox.

Now in Italy's food valley of Emilia-Romagna, Cole is implementing tactical changes at Cesena, focusing on higher intensity and better possession control. He regularly consults with Thierry Henry, co-owner of Serie A's Como, as he builds his coaching philosophy. While acknowledging the lack of black English coaches in Italy, Cole remains focused on repaying Cesena's faith rather than viewing the role as a stepping stone back to England.