Ashley Cole resigns from Cesena after one win in eight games as debut manager

Ashley Cole has resigned as manager of Italian Serie B side Cesena after eight games in charge, bringing a difficult debut spell in management to an early end. The 45-year-old, appointed in March, leaves with the club having finished 11th — five places below the play-off position he was tasked with securing.

Cole took over with Cesena sitting eighth in the Serie B table, occupying the final play-off spot, and signed a contract through the end of the 2025-26 season. His tenure produced one win, three draws and four defeats. Brief discussions over his future were held at the end of the season before Cole opted to walk away.

The appointment had been driven largely by American co-owner Mike Melby, who had developed a relationship with Cole during the former left-back’s time at LA Galaxy. Cole arrived alongside former Chelsea academy coach Jack Mesure, and the pair were met with scepticism by sections of the Cesena support from the outset.

Cesena had sacked previous manager Michele Mignani — who had been in charge for nearly two years — after he lost eight of his final 13 games. The decision was reportedly opposed by sporting director Filippo Fusco, and some players were said to have been in tears when it was announced.

Cole had spoken openly about his ambitions in management ahead of the role. “I feel ready and that I should be a head coach,” he told the Guardian in April. “I am definitely thankful to Cesena for the opportunity, but I have more than enough experience.”

His personal connection to Italy also played a part in accepting the job. His wife, Sharon Canu, is Italian, and the couple met during Cole’s playing spell at Roma. “It was always in our plans to live in Italy because we love the food and the calmness of the country,” he said.

Before taking the Cesena post, Cole had built up his coaching credentials working under Frank Lampard at Chelsea and Everton, alongside Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City, and as an assistant to Lee Carsley during Carsley’s interim spell as England manager. He is now expected to seek his next opportunity in coaching.