AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Bengaluru FC head coach Ashley Westwood and the Central defensive pair of John Johnson and Curtis Osano have extended their contracts with the I-League Champions, a Press Release from Bengaluru FC informed. Under the new deal, the trio is to stay with the Club till the end of the 2015-16 Season.

“I am delighted and proud to be signing an extension of two years with the Club and excited to carry on the dream and vision of the owners in making Bengaluru FC unique in Indian Football. This Club was all about long-term planning and I’m looking forward to the next chapter and trying to defend the title,” said Westwood.

The Englishman was the focus of praise from all quarters last season when he guided Bengaluru FC to the I-League title on debut in stunning fashion, finishing four points above East Bengal.

Club COO Mustafa Ghouse expressed his delight at the new deals. “We are very excited and pleased on extending Ashley’s contract with BFC. We have a very ambitious vision for the Club and feel Ashley is the right person to drive it ahead. His work ethic and dedication toward the Club and our dream is unparalleled.”

Joining the gaffer with extensions were Johnson and Osano who have, by far, been the most reliable Central defensive pair in the I-League last Season.

“I am delighted to have signed this new deal. It’s been a brilliant last Season and I cannot wait to get back and start the new Season. The Club has been brilliant to me from day one and I hope to repay the Bengaluru FC and its fans with more success in the coming years,” said Johnson.

The usually soft-spoken Osano said he was “over the moon and really excited” about signing the extension. 

“Since day one I was committed to Ashley and the Club. It’s a great feeling to be wanted by a winning and efficient Team.”

“We at BFC are very excited by the fact that the two pillars of our Champion Team have agreed to sign an extension with the Club. Both John and Curtis are an integral part of our Team and philosophy and will continue to play a major role in the years ahead,” said Bengaluru FC CEO, Parth Jindal.

(Pix courtesy: Bengaluru FC).