ISL: ATK sacks coach Teddy Sheringham mid-season

Under Sheringham, the defending champion suffered four losses and drew thrice in 10 outings to slip to eighth place in the 10-team standings.

Teddy Sheringham couldn’t complete his first season at ATK and had to leave mid-way.

Two-time champion ATK may have done the biggest managerial sacking of the Indian Super League by ousting Teddy Sheringham but interim coach Ashley Westwood is not worried and hopes to live up to the pressure.

Having played more than half of the matches, ATK have slumped to eighth in the 10-team standings and the think-tank finally ran out of patience with the Manchester United great sacking him on the eve of its match against Chennaiyin FC.

“I hope we can inject a little bit of freshness, fresh face may change things or our fortunes. It can be even an element of luck. There is no pressure, I don’t see any difficulty. We want to go in the right direction,” Westwood told reporters.

“I’m confident in my capabilities and in the team. The season is not over and that’s what matters. Chennai are a very strong side and they are competitive. It will be a good challenge that our boys will respond to,” he added.

The I-League-winning Bengaluru FC coach is aware that the role may be “temporary” but he hopes to give his best.

“Interim means temporary... Regarding difficultly, I have been a head coach before for four years. I’m aware of the challenges ahead,” Westwood said.

Talking about the development, Westwood said he was conveyed the decision last night around 8.30pm.

“I am here to help the club and that’s what I am doing.”

The most successful ISL franchise was blanked 0-3 at FC Pune City in its last outing on January 20. It has managed to register just three wins this season.

”...we are not rock bottom in the points table. Some results have been fine margins. Let’s see where we go,” he said.

There were reports that he was at loggerheads with Sheringham but Westwood rubbished them.

“It’s news to me. Teddy and I had a good relationship. We spoke about many things, he has never come to me with displeasure and I would dismiss all of this as a rumour. We have no problem.”