HERE WE GO :ASHLEY COLE SET TO LEAVE BIRMINGHAM CITY TO JOIN FA AS FULL-TIME COACH
This move will see Cole transition into an expanded role with the England national team, as he steps away from club duties to focus solely on his international coaching responsibilities.
In August, the FA confirmed that Cole would temporarily assist England’s interim manager, Lee Carsley, former Birmingham City player and coach, as part of the national team setup. Cole, 43, supported Carsley in the UEFA Nations League, helping England secure wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland. His stint with the national team has led to widespread praise, solidifying his position within the FA’s coaching staff.
Cole has previously worked with Carsley, particularly at the Under-21 level, where they formed a successful partnership, leading the England team to victory in the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. During that time, Cole also held various coaching roles at Chelsea, Everton, and later at Birmingham City, gaining valuable experience across several clubs. His blend of club and international experience has helped him develop a strong coaching portfolio.
Rumours of Cole’s departure from Birmingham City had been circulating among the club’s fanbase, and these were confirmed when The Athletic journalist David Ornstein reported that Cole would leave the club to focus fully on his England coaching duties.
END OF THE ROONEY-ERA COACHING STAFF
Cole’s departure marks the end of an era at Birmingham City, as he was the last remaining member of the coaching staff hired during Wayne Rooney’s short and ill-fated tenure as manager. Rooney’s stint, which began in October 2023, lasted just three months, during which time he brought in a coaching team that included John O’Shea, Carl Robinson, and Pete Shuttleworth.
All three have since transitioned to new roles: O’Shea served as interim manager before becoming assistant coach to Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson. Robinson joined Atlanta United in MLS as assistant coach and Shuttleworth reunited with Rooney at Plymouth, where the Pilgrims currently sit 22nd in the relegation zone with just 2 points as Rooney has yet to secure a league win this season.
Despite Rooney’s difficult tenure, Cole stayed on at Birmingham under subsequent managers Tony Mowbray, Gary Rowett, and current head coach Chris Davies. However, his exit now leaves a void in the coaching staff.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BIRMINGHAM CITY
While Cole’s departure is certainly a loss for Birmingham City, it is not expected to derail the club’s promising start to their League One campaign. Under Chris Davies, Birmingham have remained unbeaten in their opening matches and currently sit 4th in the table, with 10 points from a possible 12.
Rumours surfaced that the club is already preparing to find a replacement for Cole, with former Birmingham defender and academy coach Jonathan Grounds tipped to be promoted to Davies’ first-team coaching staff, who was part of the coaching team that lead blues U21’s team to the Professional Development League (PDL) Play-Off final. This smooth transition should help minimise any disruption as Birmingham pursue their goal of an immediate promotion from League One.
ENGLAND AND COLE’S FUTURE
As for Cole, his new role with the FA could be indicative of the governing body’s future plans for England. While it remains unclear whether Lee Carsley will be retained beyond the three international breaks for which he has been appointed interim manager, Cole’s appointment to the coaching team signals the FA’s belief in his coaching abilities. Cole may well have a long-term future in the England setup, whether in his current role or in a new capacity.
This move marks an exciting new chapter for Ashley Cole, who continues to build his reputation as a coach, while Birmingham City look to continue their successful season without him.
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