Everton have held talks with Ashley Cole over a potential coaching role in Frank Lampard’s Goodison Park set-up.
That’s according to an on-air update from Sky Sports News, which was shared via Football Daily on Twitter.
The lowdown
Lampard’s appointment as Rafael Benitez’s permanent successor was confirmed by Everton on Monday.
He spent 13 years of his playing career at Chelsea (from 2001 to 2014) and was a team-mate of Cole for more than half of that time (2006-2014). Together, they won the Premier League in 2010, the Champions League in 2012 and the Europa League in 2013.
Cole then played under Lampard at Derby County in his final season before retirement, and the then-Rams boss said that the defender’s ‘experience’ was a ‘really good’ asset, hailing him as a ‘machine’ (via Goal).
The latest
Sky Sports News reporter Hayley McQueen revealed on-air on Tuesday morning (via Football Daily) that Lampard had set about adding Cole to his backroom team. The former England left-back is set to decide whether to accept or reject the offer this week.
McQueen stated: “Little bit of news just coming into us, Frank Lampard wants Ashley Cole to join him as part of his coaching staff at Everton.”
Her colleague Jo Wilson then added: “We understand discussions have taken place to bring Lampard’s former teammate on board at Goodison Park, with a decision expected to be made in the next few days.”
The verdict
Lampard has asked the likes of Duncan Ferguson, Leighton Baines and Alan Kelly to remain at the club, but he will see Cole as a fresh face who can help to implement his vision at Goodison Park.
The 41-year-old’s presence could be invaluable. Cole has honed his coaching skills working with Chelsea’s youth teams and the England under-21 side.
A player of his stature – he has been nominated for a place in the Premier League Hall of Fame – should also command great respect from the Everton players, so it seems a sensible move from Lampard to try and instigate a reunion with his former club and international colleague.
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