Englishman Steve Coppell was appointed as the new head coach of ATK in 2018 season, following the two time champions disappointing ninth place finish in the last edition of the tournament. Coppell will overtake Teddy Sheringham, who was sacked midway the last season after poor results turned out for the team. Technical director Ashley Westwood temporarily managed the team after then, who could not produce some heroics to help ATK’s cause.
Former Tottenham and Irish striker Robbie Keane was announced as player-cum-manager towards the end of the season as ATK ended the season ninth on the table with 16 points from 18 games.
The team could only advance to the round of 16 in the Hero Super Cup, which was eventually won by the Bengaluru FC.
Coppell had a good 2016 season with Kerala Blasters, where the club finished as the runner-ups. He also guided the debutants of the last season Jamshedpur FC to a fifth spot finish in the last season.
“One of the world’s most respected wingers and an exceptional manager himself, I am hopeful Steve will lead the way for ATK with his unique strategies and his enthusiasm,” ATK principal owner Sanjiv Goenka said.
“ATK have a proud history in the ISL and I hope that with the hard work and skill, we can match the ambitions of our fans and everyone associated with the club,” New coach of ATK in 2018 season Coppell stated in a release.
