(Football news) Former Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole will reunite with Frank Lampard after agreeing to join Everton as first team coach. The pair were teammates from 2004 to 2014 and Lampard wasted no time in recruiting Cole after his appointment as permanent manager at Goodison Park. Cole has also played under Lampard at Derby County before announcing his retirement in 2019 and will manage his role at Everton alongside his duties with England U-21’s where he’s working under head coach Lee Carsley.

"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," Lampard told Everton's website on Thursday. "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."

Ashley Cole said “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.”

The addition of Ashley Cole means he is the fifth former Chelsea man at the Toffees with Lampard, assistant Joe Edwards, first-team coach Paul Clement, and fitness coach Chris Jones already at the club. Everton will begin life under new manager Frank Lampard against Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round, before travelling to Newcastle in the Premier League on Tuesday.

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