Birmingham City struck by sudden coaching departure as Chelsea legend moves on

Cole, who arrived at Blues alongside Rooney last October, has decided to depart just before his one year anniversary at the club. The Chelsea and England legend has been offered a permanent role by the England senior team to work alongside interim manager Lee Carsley, reports The Athletic.

The Football Association confirmed in August that Cole would assist Carsley during the September international break. After displaying his qualities once again - following on from work with the England Under-21 side - it was decided Cole is up to scratch for the senior role.

It’s been speculated for several months that Cole was keen to move on from Birmingham and pursue different career prospects as his ambitions were higher than League One. There’s no bad blood upon his exit but rather a mutual acceptance that this was never to be a long-term venture.

Cole’s departure will definitely leave quite the void at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park as he has excellent coaching attributes. He’ll also be dearly missed by Birmingham right-back Ethan Laird, who looked up to Cole as an idol and mentor.

“I’m never usually lost for words when someone comes in but him, because he’s the pinnacle of a full-back, especially in my eyes, I was lost for words the first time I saw him,” Laird said of Cole last November.

“Literally, I’m like a sponge when it comes to him. Everything he’s saying, I just try to take in everything because he’s the best. He’s been great for us, telling us little details and it’s always those little details that make us better players. I’m taking everything in while I can. It’s been a blessing,” Laird continued with a wide smile.

Birmingham are yet to officially confirm Cole’s exit but an announcement is expected imminently.