Ex-Gunner to leave 1st managerial role after just 8 games

The former Arsenal defender was appointed in March but has won only once in Serie B, averaging 0.75 points per game.

Former Arsenal defender Ashley Cole is set to leave his first managerial job after just eight games in charge of Cesena.

Cole was appointed by the Serie B club on 15 March on a contract running until the end of June, but the Italian side will not be triggering the option in his deal to extend his time with the club.

The numbers explain the decision.

Cole has averaged 0.75 points per game across his short spell, winning once, drawing three times and losing four of his eight matches.

The deal was always short-term, although it included an option to extend if “certain conditions” were met.

That option is not expected to be triggered, with a large section of the Cesena support having been unhappy with his appointment from the start.

Cole’s first senior managerial role now looks set to end after three months, leaving the former Arsenal full-back looking for another route into management.

Now 45, Cole has previously worked as assistant manager for England, England u21s, Birmingham, Chelsea and Everton.

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