Derby County are on the verge of signing free agent Ashley Cole, according to reports from the BBC.

The 38-year-old ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Roma left-back is a free agent after leaving Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the MLS season.

Fellow full back Max Lowe has left Derby, to return on loan to Aberdeen, which opens a space for Ashley Cole, who is expected to deputise for Scott Malone.

Many fans on social media have criticised the decision to bring Ashley Cole to the club, stating that he is ‘way past it’ and not good enough for this level.

They might be correct, and if Cole was brought in to start every week, it would be a problem, but he is not and his signing should be praised.

Cole brings experience to Pride Park and is a friendly face in the dressing room for Frank Lampard.

It is in the dressing room where Cole will have his biggest impact at Derby.

The full back has been around, and is regarded by many as the best left-back of the Premier League era.

At both Arsenal and Chelsea, Cole won a plethora of trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League and multiple FA Cups.

He knows what it is like to win, and has experience of grinding victories out, which could be vital to Derby.

In a squad so lauded for its youth and excitement, Derby will cherish the experience that Cole brings as they look to close in on a promotion spot.

He may not be the most glamorous signing ever, but his experience, coupled with his friendship with Lampard, can only be seen as a good thing for Derby.