East Bengal FC have appointed Thangboi Singto as their new Head of Football, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The 50-year-old returns to the Indian football circuit after his recent tenure as head coach of Hyderabad FC, a position he stepped away from midway through the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Singto brings with him a wealth of coaching experience, having previously served as an assistant manager with Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters FC and NorthEast United FC prior to his stint with HFC. While results didn’t always go his way at Hyderabad FC, Singto was credited with promoting an attacking brand of football and playing a key role in nurturing young Indian talent, an area where he has consistently made his mark throughout his coaching career.

The Kolkata side endured a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. They couldn’t make it to the ISL playoffs, finishing ninth in the league standings with just 28 points from 24 games. The club also had a premature exit from the Kalinga Super Cup, losing their opening match to Kerala Blasters FC, ending their title defence abruptly.

With Singto now at the helm of football operations, East Bengal FC will be hoping to lay down a stronger foundation ahead of the upcoming season.