Joe Cole becomes player-coach at Tampa Bay Rowdies

Former England midfielder Joe Cole is to become an assistant coach at American side Tampa Bay Rowdies.

The ex-Chelsea and Liverpool star, who joined the US outfit in 2016, will continue playing for the club when he takes on his new role.

"I'm very excited to start this chapter of my career with the Rowdies," Cole told the club's official website.

"I have a lot of experience to pass on to the players and I want to play a role in elevating this club to new heights. My primary role is still to play on the field, but I'm very excited to step into coaching as well."

Cole will work under former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United defender Neill Collins at the United Soccer League side.