Going back to an old club is always special: Westwood Ashley Westwood doesn’t distinctly remember the last time he was in the dugout at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. “Would have been the final game of the season when we won,” he tells Sportstar.The ‘we’ here is Bengaluru FC, a club he helmed with distinction for three campaigns from 2013 to 2016 – winning the erstwhile I-League twice and the Federation Cup once – and the same club that he will return to this Saturday, albeit as the coach of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League.Westwood’s final match in the Garden City came exactly a decade ago, in April 2016, during a 2-1 win over Lao Toyota to seal a AFC Cup round-of-16 berth. Funnily, Westwood was sent off in that match. Ten days earlier, in his final home fixture in the I-League, BFC had beaten Salgaocar FC 2-0 to clinch a second National crown in three seasons.“Bangalore is full of fond memories,” Westwood says. “Winning the league is one and there was an open-top bus ride after that which remains fresh. Christmas with the players, fancy dress, and then winning the league again in the third season…“But what I remember the most is the 1-1 draw against Mohun Bagan in the final match of the second season… and lose the title. We could have won three out of three. I remember the disappointments more than the achievements, but success is always a fond memory.”When Westwood took over, BFC was brand new. It was also his first full-time managerial job. But in three seasons, the franchise had become a benchmark – for both professionalism and achievement.ALSO READ: India exits AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 despite beating Chinese TaipeiIn fact, the Englishman’s final game was the 3-2 away win over Hong Kong side Kitchee that helped earn a maiden AFC Cup quarterfinal slot. Five months later, under Spaniard Albert Roca, BFC reached the final, a first for an Indian club.“When we started, we didn’t have much,” Westwood recalls. “We had a very small playing squad, and but for some signings like Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh, the rest were those who couldn’t get a club. Budget was also low. So growing a club from scratch is something that stands you in good stead.”At Blasters too he has to start from scratch, but only results-wise. After seven contests, the outfit is 13th in a 14-team ISL (one point) compared to BFC’s joint-second position (14). Nonetheless, BFC-Blasters remains one of the fiercest rivalries, and Westwood will experience this first hand.“I am well aware of the rivalry… between two of the biggest clubs in southern India. For me though, it is about getting our fans to enjoy some good football, regardless of who we play.“But going back to an old club is always special. I did that many times as a player. Now I am going to do that as a coach.”Published on Apr 08, 2026 #club #special #Westwood

Going back to an old club is always special: Westwood
Ashley Westwood doesn’t distinctly remember the last time he was in the dugout at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. “Would have been the final game of the season when we won,” he tells Sportstar.
The ‘we’ here is Bengaluru FC, a club he helmed with distinction for three campaigns from 2013 to 2016 – winning the erstwhile I-League twice and the Federation Cup once – and the same club that he will return to this Saturday, albeit as the coach of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League.
Westwood’s final match in the Garden City came exactly a decade ago, in April 2016, during a 2-1 win over Lao Toyota to seal a AFC Cup round-of-16 berth. Funnily, Westwood was sent off in that match. Ten days earlier, in his final home fixture in the I-League, BFC had beaten Salgaocar FC 2-0 to clinch a second National crown in three seasons.
“Bangalore is full of fond memories,” Westwood says. “Winning the league is one and there was an open-top bus ride after that which remains fresh. Christmas with the players, fancy dress, and then winning the league again in the third season…
“But what I remember the most is the 1-1 draw against Mohun Bagan in the final match of the second season… and lose the title. We could have won three out of three. I remember the disappointments more than the achievements, but success is always a fond memory.”
When Westwood took over, BFC was brand new. It was also his first full-time managerial job. But in three seasons, the franchise had become a benchmark – for both professionalism and achievement.
ALSO READ: India exits AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 despite beating Chinese Taipei
In fact, the Englishman’s final game was the 3-2 away win over Hong Kong side Kitchee that helped earn a maiden AFC Cup quarterfinal slot. Five months later, under Spaniard Albert Roca, BFC reached the final, a first for an Indian club.
“When we started, we didn’t have much,” Westwood recalls. “We had a very small playing squad, and but for some signings like Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh, the rest were those who couldn’t get a club. Budget was also low. So growing a club from scratch is something that stands you in good stead.”
At Blasters too he has to start from scratch, but only results-wise. After seven contests, the outfit is 13th in a 14-team ISL (one point) compared to BFC’s joint-second position (14). Nonetheless, BFC-Blasters remains one of the fiercest rivalries, and Westwood will experience this first hand.
“I am well aware of the rivalry… between two of the biggest clubs in southern India. For me though, it is about getting our fans to enjoy some good football, regardless of who we play.
“But going back to an old club is always special. I did that many times as a player. Now I am going to do that as a coach.”
Published on Apr 08, 2026
#club #special #Westwood

Ashley Westwood doesn’t distinctly remember the last time he was in the dugout at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. “Would have been the final game of the season when we won,” he tells Sportstar.

The ‘we’ here is Bengaluru FC, a club he helmed with distinction for three campaigns from 2013 to 2016 – winning the erstwhile I-League twice and the Federation Cup once – and the same club that he will return to this Saturday, albeit as the coach of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League.

Westwood’s final match in the Garden City came exactly a decade ago, in April 2016, during a 2-1 win over Lao Toyota to seal a AFC Cup round-of-16 berth. Funnily, Westwood was sent off in that match. Ten days earlier, in his final home fixture in the I-League, BFC had beaten Salgaocar FC 2-0 to clinch a second National crown in three seasons.

“Bangalore is full of fond memories,” Westwood says. “Winning the league is one and there was an open-top bus ride after that which remains fresh. Christmas with the players, fancy dress, and then winning the league again in the third season…

“But what I remember the most is the 1-1 draw against Mohun Bagan in the final match of the second season… and lose the title. We could have won three out of three. I remember the disappointments more than the achievements, but success is always a fond memory.”

When Westwood took over, BFC was brand new. It was also his first full-time managerial job. But in three seasons, the franchise had become a benchmark – for both professionalism and achievement.

ALSO READ: India exits AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 despite beating Chinese Taipei

In fact, the Englishman’s final game was the 3-2 away win over Hong Kong side Kitchee that helped earn a maiden AFC Cup quarterfinal slot. Five months later, under Spaniard Albert Roca, BFC reached the final, a first for an Indian club.

“When we started, we didn’t have much,” Westwood recalls. “We had a very small playing squad, and but for some signings like Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh, the rest were those who couldn’t get a club. Budget was also low. So growing a club from scratch is something that stands you in good stead.”

At Blasters too he has to start from scratch, but only results-wise. After seven contests, the outfit is 13th in a 14-team ISL (one point) compared to BFC’s joint-second position (14). Nonetheless, BFC-Blasters remains one of the fiercest rivalries, and Westwood will experience this first hand.

“I am well aware of the rivalry… between two of the biggest clubs in southern India. For me though, it is about getting our fans to enjoy some good football, regardless of who we play.

“But going back to an old club is always special. I did that many times as a player. Now I am going to do that as a coach.”

Published on Apr 08, 2026

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धार भोजशाला विवाद: ‘मस्जिद पक्ष के दस्तावेजों में ही मंदिर के सबूत’, MP हाई कोर्ट में एडवोकेट विष्णु शंकर जैन के तीखे तर्क

Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027. The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness. Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.” The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.” While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness. Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.” The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">

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May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby

May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">

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Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.

“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.

“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.

A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.

“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.

“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.

“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”

ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.

AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.

Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">

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Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.
With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.
Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.
“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.
“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.
A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.
“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.
“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.
“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”
ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection
The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.
AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.
Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.
By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.
Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">Former Iranian women footballers granted Australian citizenship