League One struggling club Bromley have opened direct discussions with former England hero Ashley Cole to take over as their new manager following the dismissal of Andy Woodman. The 45-year-old is seeking his next managerial role after departing from Italian side Cesena.
Bromley currently sit in 22nd place in the table following a difficult start to the campaign, having secured just two victories in their opening 11 matches. Interim boss Byron Webster is currently holding the fort, but the Hayes Lane board want a big-name appointment to ignite their season.
The former left-back has spent years honing his coaching credentials with England, Chelsea, Everton and Birmingham City. He recently took his first step into management with Serie B side Cesena, where he managed eight matches before leaving.
Blackburn Rovers assistant Mike Dodds is also on Bromley's radar, but Cole remains the standout target.
Cole insists he is committed to an entertaining style of football, previously declaring, "I played as a defender all my life, but I do not want to coach defensive football. My idea is to entertain the fans, focus on possession, fast attacks and winning games."
Woodman lost his job despite winning two promotions in three seasons, taking the club from the National League to League One, as well as winning the FA Trophy. In a statement, the former Crystal Palace, Northampton and Oxford keeper said, "It is with great disappointment that my time at Bromley Football Club has come to an end after five and a half years of continued success and achievement. When I arrived at the club, we had a vision of where we wanted to take Bromley Football Club. To have taken this club from non-league football to League One in just five seasons, as well as winning the FA Trophy at Wembley against a fantastic Wrexham side, is something I will always be incredibly proud of."
