Former Chelsea star Ashley Cole ignored 'up and down relationship' to accept Wayne Rooney offer

Former Chelsea and Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole says that ambition played a key part in his decision to join the Birmingham City coaching staff.

Cole grew to prominence with Arsenal before winning a mountain of trophies atChelsea after controversially moving across London on a free transfer. He often fought against Birmingham as an opposition player but had no doubts to join them when the opportunity presented itself, joining former England colleague Rooney as a first-team coach.

“I’ve probably had an up and down relationship with the Blues fans, to be honest, from previous games against them,” Cole admitted to Blues TV. “With new owners and a new style and philosophy they want to project to the fans, I felt like it was something I couldn’t turn down. I’m excited to be working here and I will give my all for the club.”

Cole has already been a coach with Frank Lampard at Derby County and Everton. He was also the assistant manager to Lee Carsley with the England Under-21s and has been doing work with the Chelsea academy.

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He added: “I love to get involved in sessions and be hands-on, but of course you have got to respect who the top man is. I will certainly be vocal in portraying what got me through my career, because I think that’s important.

“To be elite you have got to work hard and be focussed day in, day out. You don’t get to the top without working hard and if we can get 22 players with that same mentality and that work ethic on the training pitch, that’s a great start.”