Everton have confirmed the appointment of Ashley Cole, who will serve as first-team coach in Frank Lampard’s newly assembled backroom staff.
Lampard was appointed Toffees boss on Monday, having beaten Vitor Pereira to replace Rafa Benitez in the Goodison Park hotseat.
The former Chelsea boss had already brought in Joe Edwards from his old side, one of two assistant managers along with Everton legend Duncan Ferguson.
Paul Clement is another coach that has ties with Lampard and was named as first-team coach, while Chris Jones was brought in as Head of Performance and Alan Kelly appointed goalkeeper coach.
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Reports had long stated that Lampard wanted to bring in Cole, having already worked together during his managerial stints at both Derby County and Chelsea.
The two England internationals linked up more than 350 times for club and country, winning seven major trophies including the Premier League and Champions League.
Cole joined Lampard at Derby in 2019, before moving with him back to Stamford Bridge where he was named as an academy coach.
He was then appointed as England U21s assistant manager, working with Lee Carsley in a position which enabled him to continue his work with Chelsea.
Speaking after Cole’s arrival, Lampard told Everton’s official site: “I’m delighted to add Ashley into my backroom team. Everyone knows about his superb playing career and what he has achieved in the game.
“He is now a well-respected coach which has been recognised by his work with England Under-21s.
“He’ll bring a wealth of enthusiasm, game-play experience and is a very good young coach who adds strength to our coaching staff.”
Cole added: “I was thrilled when Frank asked me to join him at Everton. This is a brilliant opportunity with a fantastic club and I am coming here to work hard and try to help bring success to Everton.
“The chance to link up again with Frank was another huge draw. He is an excellent manager and leader. With the rest of the staff here, we have everything in place for what we want to achieve together.”
Lampard takes charge of his first Everton match on Saturday as the relegation threatened Premier League outfit take on Brentford in the FA Cup.
The Toffees managed to get two deadline day deals over the line in the hours after Lampard’s appointment was confirmed.
Although Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek are all unavailable this weekend having played in the third round of the competition for Tottenham and Manchester United respectively.
Fellow January recruit Anwar El Ghazi is also ineligible, after he turned out for Aston Villa in their 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
