Ashley Cole describes coming to Everton as “a brilliant opportunity with a fantastic club” after being confirmed as a first-team coach under new manager Frank Lampard.
The former England left-back joins Everton from Chelsea’s academy and further strengthens Lampard’s backroom team of assistant managers Joe Edwards and Duncan Ferguson, first-team coach Paul Clement, first team coach and head of performance Chris Jones and goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly.
Cole became a coach at Derby County after finishing his glittering playing career at the Rams, before following former Chelsea and England teammate Lampard to Stamford Bridge where he became an academy coach in October 2019.
In 2021, he took part in the launch of England Football Learning’s International Player to Coach (IP2C) programme, which works with former and current international players as they transition into coaching and management.
Last summer, Cole became England Under-21s assistant manager under head coach and former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley.
Lampard said: “I’m delighted to add Ashley into my backroom team. Everyone knows about his superb playing career and what he has achieved in the game.
“He is now a well-respected coach which has been recognised by his work with England Under-21s. He’ll bring a wealth of enthusiasm, game-play experience and is a very good young coach who adds strength to our coaching staff.”
Cole added: “I was thrilled when Frank asked me to join him at Everton. This is a brilliant opportunity with a fantastic club and I am coming here to work hard and try to help bring success to Everton.
“The chance to link up again with Frank was another huge draw. He is an excellent manager and leader. With the rest of the staff here, we have everything in place for what we want to achieve together.”
