The relegation-threatened Kerala Blasters FC on Friday appointed Ashley Westwood as the club’s head coach until the end of the ongoing ISL season, minutes after announcing the sacking of under-fire David Català.
Blasters FC confirmed that Català parted ways with the club by mutual agreement. Strength and Conditioning Coach Aleix Mora and Goalkeeping Coach Alex Ortiz Sánchez, too, exited along with the head coach.
The Club can confirm that David Catala has stepped down from his role at the club by mutual consent.
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) March 27, 2026
We thank David for his professionalism and contribution during his time here.
The Club also extends its gratitude to Goalkeeping Coach Alex Ortiz and Strength & Conditioning… pic.twitter.com/MEc6LHMzas
Català joined the Blasters in March 2025 and led the side in the Indian Super League and two Super Cup campaigns.
Blasters are currently 13th on the 14-team table, with five losses in six matches.
Westwood was the head coach of Bengaluru FC, where he led the team to two I-League titles and a Federation Cup win. He has also previously worked with ATK and Punjab FC. Westwood's last assignment was with the Hong Kong national football team.
Wheels down in Kochi 🛬#KeralaBlasters #KBFC #YennumYellow #SwagathamAshley pic.twitter.com/FJzdSy2DNu
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) March 27, 2026
He will take charge of the team with immediate effect with preparations ongoing for the upcoming fixtures.
“We welcome Ashley to the club. He brings valuable experience and familiarity with Indian football. We look forward to his work with the squad over the remainder of the season," said KBFC CEO Abhik Chatterjee.
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 🟡🔵
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) March 27, 2026
Welcome to the Blasters, Ashley! 🐘#KeralaBlasters #KBFC #YennumYellow #SwagathamAshley pic.twitter.com/0eoqadW8Yz
Reacting to his appointment, Westwood said: “Kerala Blasters is a club with immense support and expectation. I’m fully aware of the responsibility that comes with this role. I’m looking forward to working with the squad and staff and understanding the group in the coming days. My focus is on settling in and getting to work with the players."
Westwood has already reached Kochi and will link up with the squad when it returns from the break.
Kerala Blasters are set to take on Sporting Delhi on April 5 in Hyderabad.
