New Birmingham City assistant coach Ashley Cole has admitted he didn't always see eye-to-eye with the Blues' supporters during his playing career.
The former Premier League stalwart lined up at St Andrew's on various occasions during glittering spells with Arsenal and Chelsea but jumped at the chance to join the club this month. He will form part of head coach Wayne Rooney's backroom staff after the Manchester United hero replaced John Eustace.
Bringing in someone of Cole's standing certainly demonstrates the new manager's star draw, with ex-Old Trafford cult hero John O'Shea also having been coaxed to join his staff. Now, it is clear that the former England international is delighted at having the opportunity to join such a forward-thinking project.
Speaking to Blues TV following his move to Brum, Cole vowed to put the battles he had with Birmingham during his playing days to one side having joined the club. He said: "I’ve probably had an up and down relationship with the Blues fans, to be honest, from previous games against them.
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"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."
The 42-year-old has arrived at Birmingham boasting a strong CV, having served as a coach at Derby County, alongside stints at Chelsea and Everton under Frank Lampard. Cole's passion for trying to share his experience in the game shines through and it is obvious that he is determined to be an asset to Rooney.
He continued, saying: "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."
Wayne Rooney has assumed the reigns as the new manager of Birmingham City (Ashley Allen/Getty Images)The appointment of Rooney has not been without controversy, especially after his predecessor presided over a strong start to the Championship season. However, being able to lure the ex-D.C. United boss to the Second City does represent the club's ambition under its new owners.
The former Everton star took over the club with previous manager Eustace having led them to sixth place in the second tier table before his departure. However, it is clear that Cole feels that the new coaching team can help to inspire the squad to even greater heights in the coming months.
Revealing how he hopes to inspire the Blues' stars, he added: "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."
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