Grant: Cole is a 'good person'

Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant maintains Ashley Cole is not out of control, declaring him “one of the most good persons in football”.

England full-back Cole appears to have escaped what might have been a more severe punishment by Chelsea for wounding 21-year-old Tom Cowan with a .22 air rifle at the club’s Cobham training ground.

Surrey Police are continuing their enquiries to determine whether a criminal offence had taken place.

Current Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has hit out at those demanding Chelsea throw the book at Cole for accidentally shooting a work placement student by saying: “What do we have to do now – kill him?”

It is not the first time Cole has found himself in the media spotlight for off-field issues.

However, Grant maintained there were no professional issues with the former Arsenal defender.

“Ashley is one of the most easy persons to deal with,” said Grant, who took Chelsea to within a penalty kick of Champions League glory in 2008 and now in charge at West Ham.

“He is professional, I don’t remember even one problem with him.

“Cole always gives 100%. His training is very good.

“Off the pitch, he is a nice guy to speak with.

“But somethings like this happen to each one of us, that it is something which is not expected.

“I can assure you, though, Ashley Cole is one of the most good persons in football.”