Ashley Cole reunites with Frank Lampard at Derby County
Former Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has joined Derby County till the end of the season, reuniting with his former Blues teammate and current Rams manager Frank Lampard.
Cole was a free-agent after being released by MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy and the 38-year-old has joined the Rams in their surge for promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2007-08.
The former England full-back won 3 Premier League titles, 7 FA Cups, 3 Community Shields, Champions League and Europa League over the course of his illustrious and distinguished career with Chelsea and Arsenal.
The 38-year-old is set to mark his return to English football for the first time since he left Chelsea in 2014 and Lampard is equally enthusiastic to work with his former teammate with whom he played for 8 years at Stamford Bridge.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure Ashley’s services for the rest of the season,” Lampard said in a statement.
“He’s a fantastic player, a quality left-back, and he also brings great experience to the dressing room.
“I know him very well from our time together at Chelsea, and with England, and I also know what he can bring to the group and the influence he will have.”
Lampard, however, couldn’t promise Cole direct entry into the first-team and made it clear that he will compete for his place like any other player.
“Ashley is in good shape, which doesn’t surprise me because he’s an excellent professional, and he will compete for a place in the side like every other player here.
