Birmingham City coach ‘considered’ for Championship jobs as Plymouth and Hull City manager searches continue

The 43-year-old has been quietly developing his trade with Blues, following spells with Everton, England Under-21s and Derby County. Cole arrived at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park as a colleague of Wayne Rooney’s back in October before deciding to stick around under Tony Mowbray, Mark Venus and then Gary Rowett.

But Cole may be on the verge of departing Birmingham following the relegation to League One as The Mirror reports several Championship clubs are interested in offering him his first-ever head coach job. Although no teams are outrightly named, Plymouth Argyle and Hull City are both managerless as it stands.

Blues are eager to keep Cole as part of their regular coaching staff, anticipating the hopeful return of Tony Mowbray from illness. Key player Ethan Laird will be watching closely as the right-back idolises Cole and has already relished in receiving detailed advice.

Recently inducted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame, Cole is often spoken about as one of the greatest left full-backs of all time. There’s no wonder Blues want him to stay in the setup as he’s not only developing nicely into a better coach but he’s also a leading force in the dressing room.

It’s unlikely Cole will remain much longer, though, as he believes he’s ready to make his first proper steps into management. With Plymouth and Hull still searching as it stands, it will be interesting to see if either club makes formal contact. This story will be one to watch over the coming weeks.