The FC Whitehorse Freezers called a press conference today to announce that the club's first manager Oros Bala was being let go by the team. Whitehorse had a record of 6-6-32 with Bala at the helm, and failing to capture a point in his first six games of his second season sealed his fate. His final match with the club was a 3-1 loss at home to Shanghai Sharks.
President Jaheem Byam thanked Bala for his service as the manager and wished him well going forward. "I first want to thank Mr. Bala for his work as our manager and I wish him well in his future endeavours" said Byam. "We obviously never want to be in this position as a club, but unfortunately, we felt that a change was necessary. The executive is going to evaluate all of our options going forward, and will hope to have a new head man in place in due course. This isn't a decision we intend to rush."
Assistant manager Corywn Westlake has been retained as the interim manager while the team looks for a new permanent hire. Much of Bala's staff have been terminated as well, so the Freezers will be looking to fill the vacancies with remaining internal pieces. Manager Westlake's assistant, also on an interim basis, is Kemal Perrin. The 32 year old spent last year as a midfielder for the Freezers playing in 29 matches. He was hired on this season in a coaching role, and will now be stepping to the forefront. Goalkeeping coach Pardo has also been retained, and is expected to remain in that role even after the new manager is hired.
The 43 year old Westlake, who had no prior coaching experience before being hired on at Whitehorse last year, was also on hand to answer questions. "I greatly appreciate the opportunity that I have been given here" said Westlake. "The primary goal right now for us is to keep things running as smooth as possible. Our coaching staff is working hard on training and tactics, and we are going to be ready for our match this week. Beyond that, I intend to take things one week at a time. That's all that we can do." Asked about his former boss, Westlake was very positive. "Coach Bala is a very driven individual" said Westlake. "He was driven and hardworking as a player, and he has carried that forward into his coaching career. He gave me this chance to get into coaching, and I am forever grateful to him for that. I am sure that he will be able to find success at another club."
Westlake will have his first match as the Freezers' manager when his club goes on the road to play the formidable Toronto Treviso.