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I-League champions Bengaluru FC earlier today announced that the club would be parting ways with coach Ashley Westwood by mutual consent, bringing to end a successful three-year association during which the Blues won two I-League titles and one Federation Cup crown. The Blues have also made the quarterfinals of the AFC Cup this season under Westwood and will look to go a step further when the continental competition resumes in September 2016.
The Englishman was at the helm of affairs since the club’s inception in 2013 where the Blues went on to stun Indian football by winning the I-League in its debut season. 2014 too was a successful season where Bengaluru FC won the Federation Cup, finished second in the League and made the knockout stages in the AFC Cup.
Bengaluru FC CEO Parth Jindal in an statement said, “It’s been an extremely difficult time for the management of the club to part ways with Ashley Westwood. The decision hasn’t been the easiest to take but like always, it is one made in the best interests of Bengaluru FC. We sat across the table with Ashley and arrived at a consensus together.”
“We would like to thank Ashley for what has been a phenomenal three years with the club. His work ethic and desire to succeed during his tenure has been second to none and the role he has played in putting BFC on the football map will always be a part of the club’s history. He will always be welcome at BFC. We wish him all the best for the future and I am sure he will move on to bigger leagues successfully,” Parth ended by saying.
Departing Ashley Westwood said, “I am extremely proud of my time and achievements during my tenure at BFC. I came to the country with a blank canvas, tasked with helping to build a club from scratch, improve Indian football and to try to produce some players to go on to represent the country. I feel with 3 major trophies, multiple ‘Coach of the Year’ awards and developing as many as 10 players to go on to represent India across different ages, I have achieved all of my objectives.”
“I would like to thank the players, staff and management team for their efforts and support and I also want to thank the most important and fundamental part of this club, the fans, especially the West Block Blues who will always have a very special place in my and my family’s heart.”
“My time with BFC has been a memorable one and I’ll never forget all that we achieved. I’m saddened to leave but I know I have left the club in a very strong position as Champions of India once again and safely through to the quarterfinals in the AFC Cup. I wish the club all the best for the future,” added Ashley Westwood.
