Dixon: Cole’s development ‘had nothing to do with Wenger’

Lee Dixon says Tony Adams, not Arsene Wenger, deserves the credit for developing Ashley Cole into one of the game’s finest defenders.

Wenger is currently under intense scrutiny following four defeats in 11 days that have re-opened the debate as to whether the Frenchman is the right manager to lead the Gunners.

Dixon spoke at the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust AGM on Monday night when 88 per cent of members voted in favour of Wenger leaving at the end of the season.

The former defender suggested that Wenger “is not a true coach”, highlighting the example of former England star Cole, who progressed from a raw academy graduate to eventually become one of the game’s very best.

“Tony Adams coached Ashley Cole into becoming the best left back in the world. It had nothing to do with the coaching from Arsene,” Dixon said.

The former England defender then suggested that another of his former team-mates, assistant manager Steve Bould, would prefer a greater input on the training ground.

“Bouldy does get to do some stuff in training, but not as much as he would like,” Dixon added.

“Arsene went through a period of allowing him to do a little bit more. There was recognition in the press that afc looked a bit more solid. Then it all went away.”