Chelsea legend QUITS England role after five years after landing ill-fated first role in management

ASHLEY COLE has quit his England under-21 role after five years. And SunSport understands he made the decision months before his ill-fated first job in management. Ashley Cole worked with Lee Carsley during his time as an assistant coach of the England under-21 team Credit: Getty Cole also worked as an assistant to Lampard at Everton in the Premier League Credit: Getty The Chelsea legend stepped down from his position with the young Lions in March before taking charge of Italian side Cesena. The FA has now confirmed Cole will not return to his role with England. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! His departure comes after the 45-year-old ended his short-lived spell as Cesena boss following just eight games in charge. Cole landed his first managerial job with the Serie B club in March, having previously worked as part of the coaching staff at Everton and Derby. But after just three months at the helm, he decided to walk away following discussions with Cesena’s sporting director over a change in the club’s strategy. Cole announced his departure on Instagram. He wrote: “As my tenure at Cesena FC concludes today, I want to thank the players and staff for their hard work and commitment over the last few months. “I was proud to bring my experience to such a passionate club, and I’ve truly enjoyed working with the squad to introduce a new identity and prepare for the season ahead. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS “Following recent discussions with the Sporting Director regarding a change in the club’s strategy, I have decided that it is best for me to move on. “I leave with great respect for all the people there, as well as the fans, and look forward to my next challenge.” Cole signed a short-term contract with Cesena when he took over in March, with the option to extend if he met “certain conditions”. But his first spell in management proved a major struggle. He managed just one victory during his eight games in charge, alongside three draws and four defeats. His appointment was met with a mixed reaction from Cesena supporters, while there were also reports of unrest among some players. Cole also admitted he had struggled with the language barrier after moving to Italy. The former Arsenal and Chelsea full-back had previously spent two years in Italy as a player with Roma, making 16 appearances for the club. Cole spent time in Italy with AS Roma during his playing career but just never took to Italian The Chelsea Blueprint on YouTube Calling all Chelsea fans - we have a brand new YouTube channel! His latest managerial setback leaves him looking for his next opportunity after a career that saw him establish himself as one of the greatest full-backs of his generation. Cole made almost 400 Premier League appearances and won 107 England caps during a glittering playing career. He also enjoyed two spells with Chelsea, winning multiple major trophies including the Champions League and Premier League. Cesena have already been linked with a number of potential replacements, including Guido Pagliuca, Emanuele Troise and Stefano Vecchi. Meanwhile, Cole’s decision to leave England means his next move will now be closely watched after his brief and difficult first taste of management. Comment now