ISL 2023-24: Simon Grayson and Bengaluru FC 'Mutually Part Ways'

Bengaluru FC announced on Saturday that the Indian Super League side has mutually parted ways with head coach Simon Grayson.

BFC also confirmed that assistant coach Neil McDonald will be leaving the club.

“The club would like to thank Grayson for his time at Bengaluru FC, that included a remarkable turnaround in the League last season, and for adding the Durand Cup to Bengaluru’s trophy cabinet. The club wishes him nothing but the best for his future.” BFC said in a statement.

Bengaluru FC find themselves in the bottom half of the ISL table, currently occupying the ninth position with seven points from nine matches. They have only secured one win during this period.

The Englishman joined the club at the start of the 2022-23 season, leading the Blues to three finals – winning the Durand Cup, while finishing second-best in the Super Cup and the Indian Super League final.

Grayson led Bengaluru FC to their first Durand Cup title in 2022, soon after joining the Blues, with them beating Mumbai City FC 2-1 in the final to lift the trophy.

Bengaluru FC found themselves in a similar position in the league last season, but they made a remarkable comeback. They made a comeback for the ages since the turn of the year in 2023, going unbeaten for 10 games, ensuring a place in the top four of the league standings and making it all the way to the final, where their head coach played a vital role. However, they went down to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in penalties in the final and later suffered a 2-1 defeat to Odisha FC in the final of the Super Cup 2023.

During Grayson’s time, Bengaluru FC played 29 matches in the ISL league stage. They won 12, drew five, and lost 12, scoring 37 goals and conceding 39. Their most notable victory was a commanding 3-0 win against Jamshedpur FC on January 18, 2023, while their biggest defeat was a 4-0 loss to Mumbai City FC, happening twice in this period.

Renedy Singh will now take charge of the Bengaluru FC team for the forthcoming games, with the club looking to appoint a new head coach shortly.