Defending champions ATK parted ways with Teddy Sheringham on Wednesday and have announced Technical Director Ashley Westwood as the interim Head Coach. ATK will welcome Chennaiyin FC home in Kolkata on Thursday, where the team will play under a different coaching set-up for the first time in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18. 

ATK is the most successful club in the history of the Hero ISL with two titles in three years and was one of the forerunners to defend the league successfully. When former Manchester United striker Sheringham and former Bengaluru FC head coach Westwood took charge at the highest level this season, followed by the signing of Irish legend Robbie Keane as their frontman, the passionate fans were expecting a splendid season on the cards. 

However, the new season did not commence as expected with the two-time champions struggling and managing to secure only three wins in 10 matches so far. This sees them rooted at eighth in the league standings with a mere 12 points. Though the squad was plagued by injuries, Sheringham’s men could only score seven goals till date, while conceding 12. 

Having lost 40% of the games this season and managing to win only 30% under Sheringham, their tally of seven goals is also the joint lowest this season. Four clean sheets to their name may indicate a good defensive set-up, but it’s the attacking intent and the lack of finesse in the attacking third that have left the Kolkata outfit down, time and again. 

ATK confirmed the coach’s departure through a statement issued on Wednesday, January 24: “ATK today announced a change in their coaching set-up. ATK team management would like to thank Teddy Sheringham for his services towards Hero ISL Season 4. We wish him all the very best for his future endeavours. Ashley Westwood will be the interim Head Coach.”