Westwood gets the boot

THE FA of Penang (FAP) finally succumbed to pressure and terminated chief coach Ashley Westwood’s contract.

FAP president Zairil Khir Johari said it was a mutual decision with Westwood to part ways.

“The decision was made this past week after negotiations with Westwood.

“In the modern age, one no longer needs to meet as there are many ways to have a meeting. Suffice to say we discussed cordially.

“I would add to say that we understand the demands of modern football but it was also important to allow a coach enough time and space to do his job, if it still doesn’t work then decisions like this have to be made.

“We now want to move on and move forward,” Zairil said in a text message to Timesport yesterday.

He said as a temporary measure, the Super League side’s assistant coach, Darren Read, will take over until a new chief coach is hired.

Westwood could not be reached for comments as Timesport was informed that he left the country immediately after the FA Cup match against Negri Sembilan, while the players were given leave until tomorrow. K. Kandiah