'Thank You Simon': Supporters extend gratitude to Coach Grayson as he bids adieu to Bengaluru FC

By Sunita Iyer | First Published Dec 9, 2023, 12:01 PM IST

Indian Super League (ISL) side Bengaluru FC have announced that head coach Simon Grayson and assistant Neil McDonald have mutually agreed to part ways, following their 4-0 defeat to Mumbai City FC on Friday.

Bengaluru FC, a prominent club in the Indian Super League (ISL), on Saturday announced the mutual departure of head coach Simon Grayson and assistant Neil McDonald. The decision follows the team's 4-0 defeat to Mumbai City FC, leaving Bengaluru FC in the bottom half of the league table. In this article, we delve into Grayson's tenure, examining the highs and lows that marked his time with the Blues.

CLUB STATEMENT: Bengaluru Football Club and Head Coach Simon Grayson have mutually agreed to part ways.

Read more: https://t.co/FKI2x4tLcM pic.twitter.com/L5rcy7gtwa

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc)

Joining Bengaluru FC at the beginning of the 2022-23 season, Simon Grayson led the team to an impressive start. The Englishman guided the Blues to three finals, clinching the Durand Cup title with a 2-1 victory over Mumbai City FC. Despite finishing as runners-up in both the Super Cup and the ISL final, Grayson's impact on the team's performance was evident.

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However, Bengaluru FC's league campaign took a downturn, finding themselves in the ninth position with only one win in nine matches. The 4-0 loss to Mumbai City FC proved to be the tipping point, leading to the mutual decision for Grayson and assistant Neil McDonald to part ways with the club. The team's announcement on Saturday morning confirmed their departure.

Reflecting on the previous season, Bengaluru FC faced a similar predicament but orchestrated a remarkable comeback. Under Grayson's guidance, the team went unbeaten for 10 games, securing a place in the top four and advancing to the final. Despite falling short in the penalty shootout against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and a subsequent defeat in the Super Cup final, Grayson played a pivotal role in the team's resurgence.

For bringing home silverware that had eluded us, for a fight to the finish that inspired us, for every magical night at our Fortress and for so much more. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/JFQUXJkBtq

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc)

During Grayson's tenure, Bengaluru FC played 29 matches in the ISL league stage. The team won 12, drew five, and lost 12, scoring 37 goals and conceding 39. Notable victories included a commanding 3-0 win against Jamshedpur FC, while the most significant defeats were both 4-0 losses to Mumbai City FC.

With Grayson's departure, Renedy Singh will take charge of the Bengaluru FC team for upcoming games, serving as interim coach. The club has expressed its intention to appoint a new head coach in the near future, signaling a new chapter for the team as they strive to regain momentum in the ongoing season.

As Bengaluru FC navigates through a challenging season, the departure of Simon Grayson marks a turning point for the team. Fans will be eager to see how the club restructures under new leadership, hoping for a resurgence similar to the memorable comeback witnessed in the previous season.

Here's a look at how Bengaluru FC fans reacted to Simon Grayson's departure:

Thank you Simon, We will never forget the 22-23 season

— Dhanush  (@Dhanush_rma)

Nature of the beast and all that..
This time last year was afforded time to turn it around and did..
New manager comes in now with 10-12 games- do they make the 6 anyway?
Simon is a Quality manager.
Recruitment/Retention?
Management ?
Knee Jerk once again. https://t.co/pKTUuncKyT

— ErikPaartalu (@ErikPaartalu)

Now that it’s done, we don’t want another Simon to take over the Blues

Hope the decisions you make in coming days are wiser and better.

Thank you for the incredible 22-23 Simon❤️
That comeback was second to none 🫡 https://t.co/X5qfE09t75

— Sharath Sundaresha (@imsharath_S)

For the Durand Cup,Fun Interactions and most importantly the turnover from ninth on the table to the finals.Thank you,Simon.💙
Go Well. https://t.co/VWrHyXvsNf

— Gagan (@GaganGrites)

He was gracious enough to take Banters with a smile, for some reason with the kind of Playing style and Bus parking I wished he succeeded here.

Thank you for everything Coach 💙 Go well. https://t.co/4vm9HjRa7x

— ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ತನಯ (@ManjuKBye)

Durand Cup 🏆
Finals - ISL & Super Cup

And that crazy unbeaten run.

Thank you Gaffer, what's failure for you is a dream for many clubs.
💙🙏 https://t.co/Or7j7LXu97

— ಫುಟಿ ಕನ್ನಡ (@FootyKannada)

Thank you for all those beautiful memories 💙 https://t.co/Uj1gPZwhSY

— Fatbatman 🦇 (@fatbatman08)

Thank you gaffer
The last year’s heroics will be remembered for ages 🧿 https://t.co/cGXFHKkuTU

— Nikhil Vaishnav (@nikhil71437)

Thank you Simon.

Thanks for winning the Durand cup. But it was high time that changes had come for the betterment of the club and the style of play was not what defined BFC.

Good luck on your future endeavours. https://t.co/dfJ9Mnphpr

— Nishanth Barke (@NishanthBarke19)

Thank you Simon .
Especially for last season, where we made it to the finals of all competitions & won the Durand Cup .
Good look for the future . https://t.co/GIgIoJWENL

— Mohammed Farman (@Mfarman431v08)

Thank you, Simon
All the best for your future https://t.co/8eHtzoBM3J

— MD JISHAN (@im_Jishan_)

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