Ashley Westwood vows to give Hong Kong fans winning feeling but says criticism was ‘naive’
The Englishman has endured a frosty relationship with fans since taking charge in August, with his name even booed before kick-off
Ashley Westwood has moved to build bridges with Hong Kong supporters after grabbing a loudspeaker and promising to make them proud following his team’s 3-0 victory over Cambodia on Tuesday.
The Englishman has endured a frosty relationship with fans since taking charge in August and his name was even booed by a few when it was announced before the game at Hong Kong Stadium.
A truce appears to have been called, however, after Westwood’s side blew away Cambodia to banish memories of the 1-0 loss to Liechtenstein last week that stoked some fans’ ire.
He questioned whether those who criticised him in Europe had their finger on the pulse of Hong Kong football, and said his impromptu address to a throng of fervent supporters after beating Cambodia began as a “tongue-in-cheek attempt to start the ‘Westwood out’ chants”.
When his message turned serious, though, the 48-year-old sounded his intention to consistently supply Hong Kong devotees with the winning feeling.
