Ashley Westwood is back in India. And he is glad to be back in the country where he had his first real taste of football management. Last week, he took charge of a struggling Kerala Blasters midway through the ongoing ISL season. The former England youth international, who trained at the Manchester United Academy during Alex Ferguson’s reign and went on to play for Bradford City in the English Premier League, spoke at length to The Hindu a couple of days after he arrived in Kochi. Excerpts:
You had a great start in India, taking Bengaluru FC to the I-League title in the club’s maiden season. Bengaluru went on to win the I-League again after a year’s gap, and also won the Federation Cup.
Being successful is always good. The Bangalore experience over the three years was most pleasant. It was my first real taste of in-charge management. For me, the highlight was getting our players into the national team. We had, of course, Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh. And then many other players made their debuts: Rino Anto, C.K. Vineeth…
And we had signed up Eugeneson Lyngdoh, who then became the most expensive player in the ISL at the time. To find a player, bring them, train them, develop them, and then they make their debuts for national teams… That is gratifying for a coach.
So many memories that stick out — winning the league twice, the Federation Cup. Being successful in the AFC Cup was huge. And then winning two Coach of the Year awards was the icing on the cake. Starting the club from fresh, going from zero fans to maybe 25,000 in my last game is obviously also something that I cherish.
What were your expectations before coming to India?
None. I felt, ‘Just go there and try.’ I just came with a blank canvas. And coming from Manchester, there were no culture shocks for me in India.
Plenty of highs: Westwood won two I-League titles and the Federation Cup during his time with Bengaluru FC.
| Photo Credit:
K. Murali Kumar
Looking further back, to your playing career, your memories of being a part of the Bradford City team that earned promotion to the Premier League for the 1999-2000 season?
We beat Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure the promotion. And before that we had a big game against Wimbledon at home. I think we were fortunate. John Hartson got sent off, which helped us. So, thank you, John, for that. Those were good times. To be in and around one of the best leagues in the world is always fantastic. It was always a dream to play in the Premier League. At the time, you don’t realise, you just get on with it. When you look back and you see the Premiership now, it makes you realise that it was a special time.
The players and coaches you grew up admiring?
When I look back to when I was very young, there was the captain of England and Manchester United at the time, which was Bryan Robson. A top player who could do anything, and had leadership qualities, too. He had the will to win, and was very tough. So, for me, it starts and kind of ends with Bryan Robson as a real leader to follow. When it comes to managers, Sir Alex comes on top of the list. He influenced me. And there is a name that people won’t know too much — Dario Gradi at Crewe Alexandra.
Gradi played a key role in your career, didn’t he?
Yes, he did. Back in the day, in 1993, ’94, he was playing 4-3-3; total football, when a lot of teams were playing 4-4-2 long balls. So, he showed me a different side to football regarding, you know, technical football with the ball on the ground. He was advanced for his time; England wasn’t quite doing that then.
How was life at the academy in Manchester?
It is one of the best in the world. I was fortunate to sign at the age of 10; I started playing football at five. And I was lucky to have good facilities and a good platform to try and flourish in my chosen career. It is no rocket science. Look at Luke Littler, who is the best darts player in the world. He started playing darts at three and he played every single day. And now, all of a sudden, at 19 years of age, he is the best darts player because he has practised more than anybody else.
How much did you gain from working with one of the greatest coaches of all time, Alex Ferguson?
He had great leadership qualities, and I got great lessons as a young child. Then into the early adult years, to learn off the best, to know what to do, to become a winner, to achieve things. And no secret, he was one of the most hard-working coaches there is.
How was he with children like you?
He showed an interest in us; he gave his time. You know, he was the first-team manager, but always invested time in watching the youth players. And his work ethic was as good as anybody’s in the world.
When you became a coach, did you try to do something that you learnt from him?
Yes, of course. The desire to win, and the same format, same formula: work hard, dedicate, and sometimes you get results.
Winning the FA Youth Cup with Manchester United must have been one of the highlights of your career as a player.
Yeah, for sure. Before beating Tottenham Hotspur, we defeated many good teams, such as Aston Villa and Charlton Athletic. I still remember the finals. And then at the same time, I was representing England at youth team level.
Among your teammates was Phil Neville…
Both Nevilles, in fact. Gary a year older, Phil a year younger. I was sandwiched between the Neville brothers.
Lifelong learner: Westwood’s management style has been influenced by Alex Ferguson’s. ‘I got great lessons as a child,’ Westwood says.
| Photo Credit:
K. Murali Kumar
Your last two assignments have been with national teams — Hong Kong and Afghanistan. You did especially well with Hong Kong.
Yes, Hong Kong had 10 wins in 15 months, and it is not normal for a team ranked 159th in the world. The case was similar with Afghanistan as well. You know, we had lost 8-1 to Qatar, but in my second-last game, we drew 0-0 with them. And Qatar had just won the Asian Cup. We also drew and then beat India. I think it was for the first time that Afghanistan was beating India in India. For me it was time to leave Hong Kong, that was why I came here.
And Hong Kong followed you; they came here for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against India.
I know, they seem to be following me around.
