Kochi, March 27 Kerala Blasters announced on Friday the appointment of the experienced Ashley Westwood, a familiar face in Indian football circles, as the club's new head coach until the end of the ongoing Indian Super League season.
Westwood, who has already arrived here, replaced David Catala, who has stepped down from his role at the club by "mutual consent." Catala, a Spaniard, was appointed head coach in March 2025.
"The club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Ashley Westwood, who will take charge as head coach of the first team until the end of the current campaign. Welcome to the Blasters, Ashley!" the Blasters said in a statement.
"Westwood, an Englishman, arrives in Kochi with a managerial profile built on structure, resilience, and a winning pedigree. As a graduate of the Manchester United Academy, his football education was shaped in one of the game's most demanding environments – an ethos that continues to define his approach today."
Westwood's transition from a playing career spanning over 400 professional appearances into management has been marked by immediate impact. He had previously coached Bengaluru FC, leading the team to two I-League titles and a Federation Cup triumph. He has also worked with ATK and Punjab FC, and most recently managed Hong Kong, who defeated India during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
"Ashley is a coach who understands both the Indian football landscape and the demands of building a football identity that endures beyond results. His teams are typically defined by organization without the ball, intensity in transitions, and a collective accountability that mirrors the standards of elite dressing rooms."