Bangalore Football Stadium’s golden man parts way with club

Whether it was the Bangalore Football Stadium or Sree Kanteerava, Bengaluru FC fans always made their voices heard loud and clear. They set up perhaps the most consistently intimidating atmosphere for away sides. BFC at home were a nightmare game for everyone.

Sure, the relentless chants will continue, but the stands will no longer echo with the chants of ‘Westwood’s blue army!’

On Tuesday, the club released a statement saying they had parted ways with manager Ashley Westwood by mutual consent. Shocking, but the decision was a long time coming and when it arrived, it did so with finality. On the last day when the existing contract expired.

There was no wiggle room, no time for second guesses and no opportunity for change of minds on either side. The first chapter, successful as it has been, has come to a close. #thankyouashley.

“I am extremely proud of my time and achievements during my tenure at BFC. I feel with three 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,” Westwood said in a statement.

“I would like to thank the players, staff and management team for their efforts and support and I also want to thank the fans who will always have a very special place in my and my family’s heart. I’m saddened to leave.”

Three years ago when it was announced that a young Englishman would take over the Bengaluru side that had just entered the I-League as one of the corporate clubs, there was no fanfare or giant expectations from a man who, even in his first ever press conference, exuded calmness.

Westwood moulded BFC into a team who backed themselves and each other to get the job done, armed with the knowledge that they were the fittest and the most well-drilled side in the league, capable of going the distance. And they did.