Ashley Cole to leave Cesena after eight games as manager

Former Arsenal defender Ashley Cole will depart Cesena after just eight games in charge, the Serie B club announced. Appointed on 15 March on a contract until end of June, Cole has averaged 0.75 points per game, with one win, three draws and four losses.

The deal was always short‑term, but it included an option to extend if “certain conditions” were met. That option is not expected to be triggered, according to the club.

Cole is 45 years old and has previously worked as an assistant manager for the England senior team, England under‑21s, Birmingham City, Chelsea and Everton. Those roles gave him experience at both international and club level. The Cesena spell marks his first senior managerial appointment.

Cesena’s supporters had expressed discontent with his appointment from the outset. Their dissatisfaction is reflected in the club’s decision not to prolong his contract.

Cole’s tenure will therefore end after roughly three months, ending his first senior managerial role. The club confirmed it will not trigger the extension option in his contract.

During his eight matches, Cesena recorded one victory, three draws and four defeats, resulting in an average of 0.75 points per game. The performance statistics underpin the club’s choice to move on.