Ashley Cole was unable to decline the Blues job

Ashley Cole can’t wait to get his hands dirty at Blues.

The 42-year-old, who has partnered with Wayne Rooney of England on 70 occasions—only Frank Lampard has worn the Three Lions with the Manager as many times—was named a First Team Coach last week.

Cole, meanwhile, worked for Derby County, Chelsea, and Everton under Lampard, and this summer he helped the England Under-21s win their first European Championship in 39 years.

He will stay in this role in the national team hierarchy after relocating to St. Andrew’s, but he has made it plain that he is eager to join Birmingham City.

At the Birmingham City Elite Performance and Innovation Centre, Cole spoke with BluesTV about his early years in the West Midlands and why he was drawn to the chance.

“I’ve enjoyed working with the players and getting to know the club and this new training facility over the past two days. I can’t wait for the upcoming years.

“I felt it was an offer I couldn’t refuse, given the new owners’ desire to convey a new look and attitude to the supporters. I’m thrilled to be employed here and am attempting to give the Club my all.”

In addition to talking about the lessons he learned from his past coaching experiences, Cole—who as a player went on to become one of the most decorated defenders in the history of the game—also talked about what it will take to win the Sky Bet Championship, which begins with a trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday, October 21, at 3 p.m.

Good and bad, I’ve learned a lot. That’s what a coach rounds you on. It’s football, so there will inevitably be obstacles in your path. I don’t see this being any different here.

“It is very difficult to win games, but when you look at the coaching staff we are willing to match the work ethic of the players, willing to give our all to be successful.”