Carlton Cole has named Notts County boss and former teammate Kevin Nolan as one of his role models for making a name for himself in coaching and management.
The 34-year-old, who is currently a free agent after a five-month stint at Indonesian club Persib Bandung, played alongside Nolan at West Ham.
Cole is not thinking of retirement just yet but, approaching the twilight of his playing career, he has an eye on becoming a manager for when he does hang up his boots.
"I want to keep playing but now is the time to really take coaching seriously," Cole told Goal.com. "I am a proud guy. Once my legs go, I don’t want to be overtaken by young kids. I don’t want to be the granddad of football. I want to just look at my other options in the game. I am only 34 years old so I can still play.
"John Terry is the same age and playing and coaching on the side. I want to do the same thing. John has played at every level. He was England captain. I have always looked up to him since I was young in the Chelsea youth team. I want to go down the same path but in my own way.
"Kevin Nolan is another player that I know. He’s at Notts County and has been very successful. He won Manager of the Month. I look at myself in that sort of ilk and I hope to do that. I have applied for my level two coaching badges. I start that in January.
"I'm working at Ask Godders Academy at the moment to help footballers who have dropped out of the game or youngsters who slipped through the net. I will get experience at this academy. It is one of the best academies in London. I have done talks and coaching sessions with them.
"It would be a crime to not share my knowledge of what I learned in football with these kids. I want to get involved in football and get as far as I can in coaching."
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