Ashley Westwood does not clearly remember the last time he was in the dugout at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. “It would have been the last game of the season if we had won,” he says Sports stars.
The ‘we’ here is Bengaluru FC, a club he managed with distinction for three seasons from 2013 to 2016 – winning the former I-League twice and the Federation Cup once – and the same club he returns to on Saturday, albeit as coach of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League.
Westwood’s last game in Garden City came exactly ten years ago in April 2016, during a 2-1 win over Laos Toyota, which sealed a place in the AFC Cup round of 16. Funnily enough, Westwood was sent off in that match. Ten days earlier, in its last home game in the I-League, BFC had defeated Salgaocar FC 2-0 to clinch a second domestic crown in three seasons.
“Bangalore is full of good memories,” says Westwood. «Winning the competition is one thing and then followed by an open-top bus ride, which is still fresh. Christmas with the players, fancy dress parties and then winning the competition again in the third season…
«But what I remember most is the 1-1 draw against Mohun Bagan in the last match of the second season… and losing the title. We could have won three out of three. I remember the disappointments better than the performances, but success is always a nice memory.»
When Westwood took over, BFC was brand new. It was also his first full-time managerial job. But in three seasons, the franchise had become a benchmark – both for professionalism and performance.
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In fact, the Englishman’s last match was the 3-2 away win over Hong Kong’s Kitchee, which earned him his first AFC Cup quarter-final appearance. Five months later, BFC reached the final under Spaniard Albert Roca, a first for an Indian club.
“When we started, we didn’t have much,” Westwood recalls. «We had a very small squad, but for some signings like Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh, the others were the ones who couldn’t get a club. The budget was also low. So growing a club from scratch is something that will stand you in good stead.»
He also has to start all over again at Blasters, but only results-oriented. After seven matches, the team is 13th in a 14-team ISL (one point) compared to BFC’s shared second position (14). Nevertheless, BFC-Blasters remains one of the fiercest rivalries, and Westwood will experience this firsthand.
«I am well aware of the rivalry… between two of the biggest clubs in South India. However, for me it is about ensuring our fans enjoy good football no matter who we are playing against.»
«But going back to an old club is always special. I have often done that as a player. Now I will do that as a coach.»
Published on April 8, 2026
