LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Ashley Cole has unveiled his primary motivation for taking on the role of assistant manager at Birmingham City, working alongside former England teammate Wayne Rooney, despite having experienced mixed reactions from the Birmingham fans during his playing days.
Cole emphasized that Birmingham City’s ambition, particularly under new ownership and with Wayne Rooney as the head coach, was a key factor in his decision.
This choice was made despite the times when he faced boos at St Andrew’s, notably during his Arsenal days when he was shown a red card there.
He stated, “I’ve probably had an up and down relationship with the Blues fans, to be honest, from previous games against them.
READ ALSO: Aston Villa Winger Leon Bailey Currently Under Police Investigation
“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. 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 focused 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.”
Birmingham City underwent a takeover in July by US-based Knighthead Capital Management, which also included NFL legend Tom Brady as a minority owner.
Despite holding a playoff place in the EFL Championship, manager John Eustace was relieved of his duties to make way for the appointment of Wayne Rooney earlier this month.
Following a loss to Middlesbrough in Rooney’s first game as manager, which saw them drop out of the playoff places, Birmingham faces Hull at home on Wednesday night before heading to Southampton on October 28.
