Rumour: East Bengal begin talks with Ashley Westwood to replace under-fire Trevor Morgan

What’s the story?

East Bengal are not yet out of the I-League title race, but this season has been difficult for them, both on and off the pitch. Fan protests and internal bickerings have made for an uncomfortable few weeks for Trevor Morgan’s side.

With only three games left of the season, the Red and Golds are still mathematically within reach of the title, but it will require unlikely collapses from Mohun Bagan and Aizawl FC for East Bengal to lift what will be their first I-League crown. Amid all that, reports have emerged about the club lining up a new manager to replace Morgan, who has lately been on the wrong end of disillusioned fans.

According to Khel Now, former Bengaluru FC manager Ashley Westwood has been approached by the Kolkata giants and talks are at an advanced stage. Morgan, whose current deal runs until May 31^st, could be shown the door as early as May 7^th, when the Federation Cup kicks off. It is all but certain that should Morgan fail to clinch the title after having led for the majority of the season, the Englishman would be sent packing.

The context

East Bengal are on a losing streak of three games; all of those games ending in a 2-1 defeat for the Barasat-based outfit. In the process, the Red and Golds have slipped from atop the I-League table to barely hold on to third position, sitting six points behind both Bagan and Aizawl. Their derby defeat to Bagan last weekend resulted in an angry mob of around 200 fans staging a protest on Friday demanding Morgan’s exit.

The heart of the matter

Calls of “go back Morgan” reverberated as the East Bengal players made their way into a practice session on Friday ahead of their crucial league game against DSK Shivajians on Sunday. The club’s first-choice goalkeeper, TP Rehenesh, has also been sent home after he clashed with the protesting fans, suggesting all is not well at East Bengal. Morgan's deputy Warren Hackett and goalkeeper coach Abhijit Mondal have already been shown the door, pointing to the fact that the head coach’s days at the club are likely numbered as well.

As a contingency plan in the event of the Westwood talks breaking down, East Bengal have Armando Colaco on stand-by. Colaco has experience of working at East Bengal in the past, hence bringing him in for the Federation Cup could be seen as a safe second option.

What’s next?

Westwood, a two-time I-League winner with Bengaluru, will provide a breath of fresh air at East Bengal if he is to take the reins. His winning pedigree in India in such a short time makes Westwood an intriguing appointment for the Red and Golds, although fans of Bengaluru might not want that to happen.

Author’s take

40-year-old Westwood’s time at Malaysian club Penang ended in an unceremonious note when he was let go in March this year by mutual consent after less than three months at the club. However, he holds a high regard in Indian football, particularly because of his success with Bengaluru and will be welcomed at East Bengal with open arms.