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Deadspin | Blues rebound from 3-goal deficit, top playoff-bound Penguins Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel (81) controls the puck while under pressure from St. Louis Blues left wing Dylan Holloway (81) during the first period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images Jimmy Snuggerud had two goals and two assists to help the St. Louis Blues rally for a 7-5 win against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night. Dylan Holloway had two goals and an assist, Logan Mailloux had a goal and an assist, Jake Neighbours had two assists and Jordan Binnington made 18 saves for the Blues (36-33-12, 84 points), who rallied from a three-goal deficit to win their third in a row. Avery Hayes scored two goals, Anthony Mantha had a goal and an assist and Kevin Hayes had two assists in the regular-season finale for Pittsburgh. Stuart Skinner made 17 saves through two periods before Arturs Silovs made seven saves in the third for the Penguins (41-25-16, 98 points), who had already clinched second place in the Metropolitan Division. Rutger McGroarty scored on a one-timer from the inside edge of the left circle off a faceoff win by Kevin Hayes to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead at 10:14 of the first period. Avery Hayes forced a turnover at the St. Louis blue line and scored on a breakaway for a 2-0 lead at 16:40. The Penguins forced another turnover as the Blues were trying to exit their zone and Mantha scored from the left hashmarks to make it 3-0 at 17:23. St. Louis got on the scoreboard at 18:44 of the first when Snuggerud scored off a feed from below the goal line from Robert Thomas to cut it to 3-1. Elmer Soderblom re-established a three-goal cushion when he got behind the defense and waited out Skinner as he dragged the puck in front and scored to make it 4-1 at 2:58 of the second. The Blues answered with three straight goals in the period to tie it entering the third. Oskar Sundqvist scored a rebound off a rush to make it 4-2 at 4:51. Mailloux scored from the high slot to cut it to 4-3 at 10:37, and Snuggerud put in a rebound while on a power play to tie it at 15:49. Holloway was left wide open in the slot and he gave the Blues their first lead, 5-4, at 4:11 of the third period. Pavel Buchnevich scored on a breakaway 43 seconds later to make it 6-4, but Avery Hayes tallied his own rebound just after a power play expired to cut it to 6-5 at 12:20. Holloway sealed it with an empty-net goal for a 7-5 lead with 1:43 left. The Blues conclude their season on Thursday against the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blues #rebound #3goal #deficit #top #playoffbound #Penguins

Deadspin | Blues rebound from 3-goal deficit, top playoff-bound Penguins
Deadspin | Blues rebound from 3-goal deficit, top playoff-bound Penguins Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel (81) controls the puck while under pressure from St. Louis Blues left wing Dylan Holloway (81) during the first period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images Jimmy Snuggerud had two goals and two assists to help the St. Louis Blues rally for a 7-5 win against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night. Dylan Holloway had two goals and an assist, Logan Mailloux had a goal and an assist, Jake Neighbours had two assists and Jordan Binnington made 18 saves for the Blues (36-33-12, 84 points), who rallied from a three-goal deficit to win their third in a row. Avery Hayes scored two goals, Anthony Mantha had a goal and an assist and Kevin Hayes had two assists in the regular-season finale for Pittsburgh. Stuart Skinner made 17 saves through two periods before Arturs Silovs made seven saves in the third for the Penguins (41-25-16, 98 points), who had already clinched second place in the Metropolitan Division. Rutger McGroarty scored on a one-timer from the inside edge of the left circle off a faceoff win by Kevin Hayes to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead at 10:14 of the first period. Avery Hayes forced a turnover at the St. Louis blue line and scored on a breakaway for a 2-0 lead at 16:40. The Penguins forced another turnover as the Blues were trying to exit their zone and Mantha scored from the left hashmarks to make it 3-0 at 17:23. St. Louis got on the scoreboard at 18:44 of the first when Snuggerud scored off a feed from below the goal line from Robert Thomas to cut it to 3-1. Elmer Soderblom re-established a three-goal cushion when he got behind the defense and waited out Skinner as he dragged the puck in front and scored to make it 4-1 at 2:58 of the second. The Blues answered with three straight goals in the period to tie it entering the third. Oskar Sundqvist scored a rebound off a rush to make it 4-2 at 4:51. Mailloux scored from the high slot to cut it to 4-3 at 10:37, and Snuggerud put in a rebound while on a power play to tie it at 15:49. Holloway was left wide open in the slot and he gave the Blues their first lead, 5-4, at 4:11 of the third period. Pavel Buchnevich scored on a breakaway 43 seconds later to make it 6-4, but Avery Hayes tallied his own rebound just after a power play expired to cut it to 6-5 at 12:20. Holloway sealed it with an empty-net goal for a 7-5 lead with 1:43 left. The Blues conclude their season on Thursday against the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blues #rebound #3goal #deficit #top #playoffbound #PenguinsApr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel (81) controls the puck while under pressure from St. Louis Blues left wing Dylan Holloway (81) during the first period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images

Jimmy Snuggerud had two goals and two assists to help the St. Louis Blues rally for a 7-5 win against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.

Dylan Holloway had two goals and an assist, Logan Mailloux had a goal and an assist, Jake Neighbours had two assists and Jordan Binnington made 18 saves for the Blues (36-33-12, 84 points), who rallied from a three-goal deficit to win their third in a row.

Avery Hayes scored two goals, Anthony Mantha had a goal and an assist and Kevin Hayes had two assists in the regular-season finale for Pittsburgh.

Stuart Skinner made 17 saves through two periods before Arturs Silovs made seven saves in the third for the Penguins (41-25-16, 98 points), who had already clinched second place in the Metropolitan Division.

Rutger McGroarty scored on a one-timer from the inside edge of the left circle off a faceoff win by Kevin Hayes to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead at 10:14 of the first period.

Avery Hayes forced a turnover at the St. Louis blue line and scored on a breakaway for a 2-0 lead at 16:40.

The Penguins forced another turnover as the Blues were trying to exit their zone and Mantha scored from the left hashmarks to make it 3-0 at 17:23.

St. Louis got on the scoreboard at 18:44 of the first when Snuggerud scored off a feed from below the goal line from Robert Thomas to cut it to 3-1.


Elmer Soderblom re-established a three-goal cushion when he got behind the defense and waited out Skinner as he dragged the puck in front and scored to make it 4-1 at 2:58 of the second.

The Blues answered with three straight goals in the period to tie it entering the third.

Oskar Sundqvist scored a rebound off a rush to make it 4-2 at 4:51.

Mailloux scored from the high slot to cut it to 4-3 at 10:37, and Snuggerud put in a rebound while on a power play to tie it at 15:49.

Holloway was left wide open in the slot and he gave the Blues their first lead, 5-4, at 4:11 of the third period.

Pavel Buchnevich scored on a breakaway 43 seconds later to make it 6-4, but Avery Hayes tallied his own rebound just after a power play expired to cut it to 6-5 at 12:20.

Holloway sealed it with an empty-net goal for a 7-5 lead with 1:43 left.

The Blues conclude their season on Thursday against the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blues #rebound #3goal #deficit #top #playoffbound #Penguins

Sports news

Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel (81) controls the puck while under pressure from St. Louis Blues left wing Dylan Holloway (81) during the first period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images

Jimmy Snuggerud had two goals and two assists to help the St. Louis Blues rally for a 7-5 win against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.

Dylan Holloway had two goals and an assist, Logan Mailloux had a goal and an assist, Jake Neighbours had two assists and Jordan Binnington made 18 saves for the Blues (36-33-12, 84 points), who rallied from a three-goal deficit to win their third in a row.

Avery Hayes scored two goals, Anthony Mantha had a goal and an assist and Kevin Hayes had two assists in the regular-season finale for Pittsburgh.

Stuart Skinner made 17 saves through two periods before Arturs Silovs made seven saves in the third for the Penguins (41-25-16, 98 points), who had already clinched second place in the Metropolitan Division.

Rutger McGroarty scored on a one-timer from the inside edge of the left circle off a faceoff win by Kevin Hayes to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead at 10:14 of the first period.

Avery Hayes forced a turnover at the St. Louis blue line and scored on a breakaway for a 2-0 lead at 16:40.

The Penguins forced another turnover as the Blues were trying to exit their zone and Mantha scored from the left hashmarks to make it 3-0 at 17:23.

St. Louis got on the scoreboard at 18:44 of the first when Snuggerud scored off a feed from below the goal line from Robert Thomas to cut it to 3-1.

Elmer Soderblom re-established a three-goal cushion when he got behind the defense and waited out Skinner as he dragged the puck in front and scored to make it 4-1 at 2:58 of the second.

The Blues answered with three straight goals in the period to tie it entering the third.

Oskar Sundqvist scored a rebound off a rush to make it 4-2 at 4:51.

Mailloux scored from the high slot to cut it to 4-3 at 10:37, and Snuggerud put in a rebound while on a power play to tie it at 15:49.

Holloway was left wide open in the slot and he gave the Blues their first lead, 5-4, at 4:11 of the third period.

Pavel Buchnevich scored on a breakaway 43 seconds later to make it 6-4, but Avery Hayes tallied his own rebound just after a power play expired to cut it to 6-5 at 12:20.

Holloway sealed it with an empty-net goal for a 7-5 lead with 1:43 left.

The Blues conclude their season on Thursday against the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City.

–Field Level Media

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Liverpool vs PSG: Slot laments missed chances, VAR decision around contentious penalty <div id="content-body-70864110" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Liverpool manager Arne Slot said his side’s Champions League exit again laid bare a season-long struggle to turn chances into goals, after being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) following a 0-2 home defeat on Tuesday that sealed a 0-4 loss on aggregate.</p><p>Despite enjoying 53 per cent possession and having 21 attempts ⁠to PSG’s 12 and eight corners to the visiting side’s two, it was PSG which found the net as Ousmane Dembele struck twice in the second half ‌to confirm the defending champion’s place in the semifinals.</p><p>“Unfortunately, it’s one of the many examples of this season where we ‌weren’t able to score from the many chances we had,” Slot ‌said.</p><p>“Again, ⁠we were so far underperforming in terms of xG (expected goals ⁠of 1.94), and that is just an ongoing thing with us throughout the whole season.”</p><p>Slot also pointed to a contentious VAR decision that saw a penalty given for ​a foul on Alexis Mac Allister ‌overturned and a potentially serious injury to France forward Hugo Ekitike, adding to Liverpool’s sense of disappointment on the night.</p><p>“Another intervention of the VAR which was not in our favour, and that’s also ‌not for the first time this season,” he said.</p><p>“Then of course ​we are very disappointed, because I think there were parts in the second half where you could just feel ⁠that if we can score now, this is going to become a special night.”</p><p>Slot handed a first start to Alexander Isak since the Sweden ‌international suffered a broken leg in December and said the striker’s return underlined what his team have missed.</p><p>“He was twice close to a goal, and that’s why you play a striker of his level,” the Dutch coach said. “If I thought he wasn’t ready, I wouldn’t have played him.”</p><p>Slot said Isak’s absence had been a factor in Liverpool’s difficulties in ‌front of goal this season, but he remained optimistic about the future.</p><p>“The future looks ​very bright for this team, for this club, because we’ve shown we can compete with the champions of Europe ⁠and be the dominant team in our stadium,” he said.</p><p>“Not many teams can ⁠be dominant against Paris Saint-Germain and generate so many chances, as we did. But, yeah, chances is one thing, scoring ‌is a second.”</p><p>Liverpool, which is fifth in the Premier League as it tries to qualify for next season’s Champions League, visits rival ​Everton for the first time at its new stadium on Sunday.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 15, 2026</p></div> #Liverpool #PSG #Slot #laments #missed #chances #VAR #decision #contentious #penalty

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Queensland defers decision in blow to Big Bash League privatisation plan <div id="content-body-70864204" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Cricket Australia’s (CA) hopes of opening the Big Bash League (BBL) to private investment have hit a major ​roadblock after member state Queensland deferred its decision on backing a plan ‌to sell stakes in the nation’s domestic T20 franchises.</p><p>Queensland Cricket, ​which hosts Brisbane Heat, said on Wednesday it ⁠had made no final decision following a board meeting and would seek further information from CA.</p><p>CA had set Wednesday as a deadline for the nation’s six ‌member states to indicate their support to proceed with a plan which would involve selling off 49 per cent stakes ‌in most teams and 100 per cent of one team each in ‌Victoria ⁠and New South Wales.</p><p>CA declined to comment when contacted ⁠by Reuters about Queensland’s deferral.</p><p>New South Wales’ (NSW) support for the proposal is also far from assured.</p><p>Cricket NSW boss Lee Germon said last month that alternative proposals needed to ​be considered.</p><p>“We may well ‌end up at the first proposal which is selling all the clubs, but we need to do the due diligence,” he said.</p><p>“We want to invest in BBL. We want to lift it. ‌We want to have the best players playing it.</p><p>“Are there ​alternative ways we can do that without necessarily going straight to selling the clubs?”</p><p>The privatisation push has been ⁠driven by CA Chairman Mike Baird and CEO Todd Greenberg following a review by Boston Consulting Group last year.</p><p>CA is hoping to raise ‌up to AUD 600 million from the sale to future-proof the sport, boost its finances and improve Australia’s competitiveness in T20 cricket.</p><p>CA reported a net deficit of AUD 11.3 million for the 2024-25 financial year despite a jump in revenue from hosting the lucrative Border-Gavaskar series against powerhouse India.</p><p>Australia crashed out of the group stage at ‌the recent T20 World Cup won by India, triggering acrimony on the home ​front.</p><p>Despite the potential for a major capital boost, influential cricket figures in Australia remain wary of private money.</p><p>Former Test ⁠captain and talent development boss Greg Chappell said the BBL was a ⁠success and selling it off could mean a damaging loss of control for the game’s local custodians.</p><p>“Australian cricket has ‌long benefited from maintaining its autonomy,” he wrote in a column published in the <i>Sydney Morning Herald</i>.</p><p>“Surrendering even part of that ​independence could have far-reaching consequences.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 15, 2026</p></div> #Queensland #defers #decision #blow #Big #Bash #League #privatisation #plan

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Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.

He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.

Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).

“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview.

Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — Ashley Westwood hopes to continue pulling KBFC out of crisis Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview. Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football: Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters Total matches: 89 Wins: 46 Losses: 26 Draws: 17 Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15) But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers? Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”Winds of change at Kerala BlastersThere have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once. Kerala Blasters’ remaining matches: Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 15 Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18 Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23 Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10 Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23 Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they were. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.Published on Apr 14, 2026 #Kerala #Blasters #NorthEast #United #Ashley #Westwood #hopes #continue #pulling #KBFC #crisis

Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

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Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football:

Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters

Total matches: 89

Wins: 46

Losses: 26

Draws: 17

Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15)

But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.

The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.

“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.

“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”

Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.

“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.

The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers?

Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.

Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

lightbox-info

Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.

In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.

So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?

“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.

“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”

It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.

“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”

Winds of change at Kerala Blasters

There have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.

“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.

But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once.

Kerala Blasters’ remaining matches:

Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 15

Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18

Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23

Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10

Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23

Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.

“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they were. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.

Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.

Published on Apr 14, 2026

#Kerala #Blasters #NorthEast #United #Ashley #Westwood #hopes #continue #pulling #KBFC #crisis">Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — Ashley Westwood hopes to continue pulling KBFC out of crisis Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview. Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football: Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters Total matches: 89 Wins: 46 Losses: 26 Draws: 17 Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15) But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers? Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”Winds of change at Kerala BlastersThere have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once. Kerala Blasters’ remaining matches: Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 15 Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18 Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23 Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10 Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23 Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they were. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.Published on Apr 14, 2026 #Kerala #Blasters #NorthEast #United #Ashley #Westwood #hopes #continue #pulling #KBFC #crisis

Deadspin | Raiders receiving calls about No. 1 NFL draft pick Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Despite all signs pointing to the Raiders selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Las Vegas general manager John Spytek has fielded calls from teams inquiring about the availability of the pick. “We’ve gotten a few calls, and those teams know where they stand,” Spytek said Tuesday at his pre-draft news conference. The NFL draft will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Spytek, who stated that he is keeping an open mind regarding trade offers, also addressed the topic of deals materializing during draft night. “If there’s a player that stands out that we feel it’s not worth losing, it’s not worth even picking up the phone, then we’ll just make the pick,” Spytek said. “But if it’s a player that we’re not as excited about, or there’s a group of players that we would love to pick from and we can get value for that, we’re certainly open to listening to that.” If the Raiders do select Mendoza, the former Indiana star and reigning Heisman Trophy winner would be the 30th quarterback to go No. 1 overall in the common draft era, which began in 1967. Mendoza, who guided the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record and their first national title in football in 2025, would be competing with veterans Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell in Las Vegas. Along with new head coach Klint Kubiak, Spytek would rather see a rookie QB begin as a backup to a veteran. “Ultimately, this is a meritocracy, and the best guy will play,” Spytek said. “It’s just really hard to play really well at a young age. But we’ve seen plenty of quarterbacks do it recently. We added Kirk, we have Aidan, and we’ll see how it goes.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raiders #receiving #calls #NFL #draft #pickFeb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Despite all signs pointing to the Raiders selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Las Vegas general manager John Spytek has fielded calls from teams inquiring about the availability of the pick.

“We’ve gotten a few calls, and those teams know where they stand,” Spytek said Tuesday at his pre-draft news conference.

The NFL draft will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

Spytek, who stated that he is keeping an open mind regarding trade offers, also addressed the topic of deals materializing during draft night.


“If there’s a player that stands out that we feel it’s not worth losing, it’s not worth even picking up the phone, then we’ll just make the pick,” Spytek said. “But if it’s a player that we’re not as excited about, or there’s a group of players that we would love to pick from and we can get value for that, we’re certainly open to listening to that.”

If the Raiders do select Mendoza, the former Indiana star and reigning Heisman Trophy winner would be the 30th quarterback to go No. 1 overall in the common draft era, which began in 1967.

Mendoza, who guided the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record and their first national title in football in 2025, would be competing with veterans Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell in Las Vegas. Along with new head coach Klint Kubiak, Spytek would rather see a rookie QB begin as a backup to a veteran.

“Ultimately, this is a meritocracy, and the best guy will play,” Spytek said. “It’s just really hard to play really well at a young age. But we’ve seen plenty of quarterbacks do it recently. We added Kirk, we have Aidan, and we’ll see how it goes.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raiders #receiving #calls #NFL #draft #pick">Deadspin | Raiders receiving calls about No. 1 NFL draft pick Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Despite all signs pointing to the Raiders selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Las Vegas general manager John Spytek has fielded calls from teams inquiring about the availability of the pick. “We’ve gotten a few calls, and those teams know where they stand,” Spytek said Tuesday at his pre-draft news conference. The NFL draft will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Spytek, who stated that he is keeping an open mind regarding trade offers, also addressed the topic of deals materializing during draft night. “If there’s a player that stands out that we feel it’s not worth losing, it’s not worth even picking up the phone, then we’ll just make the pick,” Spytek said. “But if it’s a player that we’re not as excited about, or there’s a group of players that we would love to pick from and we can get value for that, we’re certainly open to listening to that.” If the Raiders do select Mendoza, the former Indiana star and reigning Heisman Trophy winner would be the 30th quarterback to go No. 1 overall in the common draft era, which began in 1967. Mendoza, who guided the Hoosiers to a 16-0 record and their first national title in football in 2025, would be competing with veterans Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell in Las Vegas. Along with new head coach Klint Kubiak, Spytek would rather see a rookie QB begin as a backup to a veteran. “Ultimately, this is a meritocracy, and the best guy will play,” Spytek said. “It’s just really hard to play really well at a young age. But we’ve seen plenty of quarterbacks do it recently. We added Kirk, we have Aidan, and we’ll see how it goes.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raiders #receiving #calls #NFL #draft #pick

Ryan Williams arrived at Bengaluru FC, trying to find a new home thousands of miles away from his birthplace in Perth. Three years later, he has found one, as an India international and a first-team regular with 15 goals and five assists for club and country.

“When I first came, it was actually Simon Grayson who was here (as head coach), whom I had played against a few times in the UK before,” Williams tells Sportstar.

“For me, from a footballing point of view, the shoe fit really well because all the coaching staff were from the UK, the same methods that I was used to all the time I was in the UK.”

But the defining moment was his India call-up. He became the first foreign-born player to switch allegiance to the Blue Tigers since Arata Izumi and scored on his debut against Hong Kong in a 2-1 win in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

ISL 2025-26: Ryan Williams chases silverware with Bengaluru FC after shining for India on debut Ryan Williams arrived at Bengaluru FC, trying to find a new home thousands of miles away from his birthplace in Perth. Three years later, he has found one, as an India international and a first-team regular with 15 goals and five assists for club and country.“When I first came, it was actually Simon Grayson who was here (as head coach), whom I had played against a few times in the UK before,” Williams tells Sportstar.“For me, from a footballing point of view, the shoe fit really well because all the coaching staff were from the UK, the same methods that I was used to all the time I was in the UK.”But the defining moment was his India call-up. He became the first foreign-born player to switch allegiance to the Blue Tigers since Arata Izumi and scored on his debut against Hong Kong in a 2-1 win in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat “(There were) many emotions at first. It was obviously joy, excitement and just pure happiness because it was such a long journey leading up to that point,” Williams remembers.“A bit of relief (too) because not only being able to be eligible and play was the first hurdle, the second hurdle was coming in and making sure that I made an impact.”The match marked the end of a three-year wait for the forward, who received assistance from JSW and Bengaluru FC to finally get his Indian passport.“This club is, and I can say from my point of view, a family club. I’ve got a lot of friends that are, you know, in the offices and stuff. It’s not only the boys on the pitch. Every chance I get, I go in there and say hello,” he adds.“Even towards the end of the application process, the club managed to get it a lot quicker than I would have done. So, it was really special for me.”But in professional football, one challenge follows another. Williams helped India to its first win in the Asian Cup qualifiers, but his club now demands his full focus.Bengaluru FC has had three coaches in the last six months, with new Spaniard Pep Munoz taking over mid-season last month.“With every new coach that comes in, there are different ideas. He’s only been here, like, maybe about a week. So it’s quite hard to tell. But from what I’ve seen so far, I’m enjoying it,” he says.“You can look at it two ways. You can think, I wish Renedy (Singh) were still here or you can think, ‘I’m going to take up this challenge and see if I can learn something from this new coach.’ I think everybody at the moment is really working hard with this coach. He’s got some great ideas, and I’m looking forward to the times ahead,” Williams says. Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar Under Munoz, Bengaluru started with a 2-0 win over Super Cup champion FC Goa but stuttered against Kerala Blasters in their previous match, where his side was reduced to 10 men.“I felt we were in control up to that point. Probably as a unit, we could have defended a bit better, even with 10 players. But again, it was just another opportunity for us to learn. Obviously, it’s unfortunate that it happened against our rivals, but it is what it is,” Williams says.Bengaluru travels to Kolkata for its next match against in-form East Bengal, which beat two-time ISL winner Chennaiyin FC 3-1 last Saturday. A win here could propel the Blues into the top three.“We played three away games, and we’ve got three wins. So, we feel pretty comfortable going away anyway. These next three games, East Bengal, Mumbai and Jamshedpur, are super important for us because they’re all above us, and they (East Bengal) have an extra game in hand,” the forward adds.Williams’ pursuit of a new home might be complete, but the search for domestic silverware with the Blues remains elusive, one he will look to realise in the familiar blue kit in the Indian Super League.Published on Apr 15, 2026 #ISL #Ryan #Williams #chases #silverware #Bengaluru #shining #India #debut

Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat

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Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat

“(There were) many emotions at first. It was obviously joy, excitement and just pure happiness because it was such a long journey leading up to that point,” Williams remembers.

“A bit of relief (too) because not only being able to be eligible and play was the first hurdle, the second hurdle was coming in and making sure that I made an impact.”

The match marked the end of a three-year wait for the forward, who received assistance from JSW and Bengaluru FC to finally get his Indian passport.

“This club is, and I can say from my point of view, a family club. I’ve got a lot of friends that are, you know, in the offices and stuff. It’s not only the boys on the pitch. Every chance I get, I go in there and say hello,” he adds.

“Even towards the end of the application process, the club managed to get it a lot quicker than I would have done. So, it was really special for me.”

But in professional football, one challenge follows another. Williams helped India to its first win in the Asian Cup qualifiers, but his club now demands his full focus.

Bengaluru FC has had three coaches in the last six months, with new Spaniard Pep Munoz taking over mid-season last month.

“With every new coach that comes in, there are different ideas. He’s only been here, like, maybe about a week. So it’s quite hard to tell. But from what I’ve seen so far, I’m enjoying it,” he says.

“You can look at it two ways. You can think, I wish Renedy (Singh) were still here or you can think, ‘I’m going to take up this challenge and see if I can learn something from this new coach.’ I think everybody at the moment is really working hard with this coach. He’s got some great ideas, and I’m looking forward to the times ahead,” Williams says.

Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions.

Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

lightbox-info

Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

Under Munoz, Bengaluru started with a 2-0 win over Super Cup champion FC Goa but stuttered against Kerala Blasters in their previous match, where his side was reduced to 10 men.

“I felt we were in control up to that point. Probably as a unit, we could have defended a bit better, even with 10 players. But again, it was just another opportunity for us to learn. Obviously, it’s unfortunate that it happened against our rivals, but it is what it is,” Williams says.

Bengaluru travels to Kolkata for its next match against in-form East Bengal, which beat two-time ISL winner Chennaiyin FC 3-1 last Saturday. A win here could propel the Blues into the top three.

“We played three away games, and we’ve got three wins. So, we feel pretty comfortable going away anyway. These next three games, East Bengal, Mumbai and Jamshedpur, are super important for us because they’re all above us, and they (East Bengal) have an extra game in hand,” the forward adds.

Williams’ pursuit of a new home might be complete, but the search for domestic silverware with the Blues remains elusive, one he will look to realise in the familiar blue kit in the Indian Super League.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#ISL #Ryan #Williams #chases #silverware #Bengaluru #shining #India #debut">ISL 2025-26: Ryan Williams chases silverware with Bengaluru FC after shining for India on debut Ryan Williams arrived at Bengaluru FC, trying to find a new home thousands of miles away from his birthplace in Perth. Three years later, he has found one, as an India international and a first-team regular with 15 goals and five assists for club and country.“When I first came, it was actually Simon Grayson who was here (as head coach), whom I had played against a few times in the UK before,” Williams tells Sportstar.“For me, from a footballing point of view, the shoe fit really well because all the coaching staff were from the UK, the same methods that I was used to all the time I was in the UK.”But the defining moment was his India call-up. He became the first foreign-born player to switch allegiance to the Blue Tigers since Arata Izumi and scored on his debut against Hong Kong in a 2-1 win in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat Ryan Williams celebrates scoring on his India debut, against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat “(There were) many emotions at first. It was obviously joy, excitement and just pure happiness because it was such a long journey leading up to that point,” Williams remembers.“A bit of relief (too) because not only being able to be eligible and play was the first hurdle, the second hurdle was coming in and making sure that I made an impact.”The match marked the end of a three-year wait for the forward, who received assistance from JSW and Bengaluru FC to finally get his Indian passport.“This club is, and I can say from my point of view, a family club. I’ve got a lot of friends that are, you know, in the offices and stuff. It’s not only the boys on the pitch. Every chance I get, I go in there and say hello,” he adds.“Even towards the end of the application process, the club managed to get it a lot quicker than I would have done. So, it was really special for me.”But in professional football, one challenge follows another. Williams helped India to its first win in the Asian Cup qualifiers, but his club now demands his full focus.Bengaluru FC has had three coaches in the last six months, with new Spaniard Pep Munoz taking over mid-season last month.“With every new coach that comes in, there are different ideas. He’s only been here, like, maybe about a week. So it’s quite hard to tell. But from what I’ve seen so far, I’m enjoying it,” he says.“You can look at it two ways. You can think, I wish Renedy (Singh) were still here or you can think, ‘I’m going to take up this challenge and see if I can learn something from this new coach.’ I think everybody at the moment is really working hard with this coach. He’s got some great ideas, and I’m looking forward to the times ahead,” Williams says. Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar Ryan Williams joined Bengaluru FC from Perth Glory in 2023, and has 14 goals and five assists for the club, across all competitions. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar Under Munoz, Bengaluru started with a 2-0 win over Super Cup champion FC Goa but stuttered against Kerala Blasters in their previous match, where his side was reduced to 10 men.“I felt we were in control up to that point. Probably as a unit, we could have defended a bit better, even with 10 players. But again, it was just another opportunity for us to learn. Obviously, it’s unfortunate that it happened against our rivals, but it is what it is,” Williams says.Bengaluru travels to Kolkata for its next match against in-form East Bengal, which beat two-time ISL winner Chennaiyin FC 3-1 last Saturday. A win here could propel the Blues into the top three.“We played three away games, and we’ve got three wins. So, we feel pretty comfortable going away anyway. These next three games, East Bengal, Mumbai and Jamshedpur, are super important for us because they’re all above us, and they (East Bengal) have an extra game in hand,” the forward adds.Williams’ pursuit of a new home might be complete, but the search for domestic silverware with the Blues remains elusive, one he will look to realise in the familiar blue kit in the Indian Super League.Published on Apr 15, 2026 #ISL #Ryan #Williams #chases #silverware #Bengaluru #shining #India #debut

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