AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: After an eye-catching recruitment drive in the off-season, RoundGlass Punjab will be hoping to be involved in the Hero I-League title discussion come the end of the season. One of their biggest signings though, is also in the dugout, having roped in two-time Hero I-League winning coach Ashley Westwood.

Westwood and his new side has been in pre-season training since October and the Englishman is pleased with preparations so far.

“Pre-season has been good. It’s a new team and the more time we spend with each other, the better it is,” he said. “Being in this environment, which means living and working together day in and day out, helps bring the team together and allows us to find out more about one another and understand the character of each member of the team, which is part of our decision-making process.”

Westwood, whose two Hero I-League titles came with Bengaluru FC, seems to have been instrumental in recruiting some of his old charges who were key to those successes, namely – C.K. Vineeth, Robin Singh, Rino Anto and Lalchhuanmawia – among others.

“The players we have signed give us a good balance and have been brought on board for not only their abilities but also their professionalism and experience,” he said. “We wanted a balance of youth and experience in the squad so we can challenge for the Hero I-League title.”