FOOTBALL | Kerala Blasters appoints Ashley Westwood as coach

Kerala Blasters has appointed Ashley Westwood as the head coach till the end of the ongoing season of ISL Westwood will take charge of the team with immediate effect.

Westwood had a successful stint with Bengaluru FC during which he guided the team to two I-League titles and one Federation Cup triumph. Westwood also worked with ATK and Punjab FC as head coach. He was also the manager of the Afghanistan and Hong Kong national teams.

“We welcome Ashley to the club. He brings valubale experience and familiarity with Indian football. We look forward to his work with the squad over the remainder of the season,’’ said Abhik Chatterjee, the CEO of Kerala Blasters.

“Kerala Blasters is a club with immense support and expectation. I am fully aware of the responsibility that comes with this role. I am looking forward to working with the squad and staff and understanding the group in the coming days. My focus is on settling in and getting to work with players,’’ said Westwood.

Blasters meanwhile confirmed that it had parted ways with David Catala via mutal agreement. Conditioning coach Aleex Mora and goalkeeping coach Ortiz Sanchez will also leave the club, said the club in a statement.