From Gokulam to East Bengal: A winning journey continues

Anthony Andrews came to East Bengal with a winning mindset—and in just one season, he helped the club lift their first-ever IWL trophy. After tasting success with Gokulam Kerala, he brought that same energy and focus to Kolkata. In this conversation with Pixel Sports, he opens up about the team’s journey, what made this season special, the rise of women’s football, and the incredible support from East Bengal fans.

PixelSports: You have continued your success from Gokulam Kerala onto East Bengal. Did you start off here imagining you would win the league in the first season itself?

Anthony Andrews: Yes, from the moment I decided to join East Bengal, my ambition was clear—to bring success to the red and gold. This is a club with a proud and storied legacy, and I felt a strong sense of responsibility to contribute to that tradition. From day one, our focus was on building a team with character, passion, and a strong work ethic. I’m incredibly proud that, through the collective effort of the players, staff, and the unwavering support of our fans, we’ve been able to achieve this in our very first season.

PS: What would you say were the key factors behind this immediate success?

AA: I think the key was building a clear structure from day one—on and off the pitch. We had a unified vision, the players showed tremendous commitment, and the club provided full support. Everyone knew their role, trusted the process, and worked selflessly for the team. That unity and consistency were crucial in turning potential into results.

PS: Do you feel the women’s game has been getting more media attention and fan support in recent years? And how has your experience been with the East Bengal fans?

AA: Definitely. The women’s game is growing and gaining the attention it deserves, both in terms of media and fan engagement. And I have to say: East Bengal fans have been fantastic. They’ve embraced the women’s team with so much passion and pride. It’s made the journey even more meaningful to see that kind of support from such a historic club’s fanbase.

PS: Elshaddai Acheampong and Soumya Guguloth were outstanding throughout the season. What’s your take on their contribution to the team’s success?

AA: Elshaddai and Soumya were instrumental to our success this season, but as with any achievement in football, it was very much a collective effort. This is a team sport, and what stood out to me most was how everyone supported one another and contributed in their own way. I’ve had the privilege of working with both Elshaddai and Soumya in the past, and we’ve shared success together before, including lifting trophies. Their familiarity with my approach, combined with their professionalism and leadership, helped set the tone for the rest of the squad. They were excellent, but so was the team around them.

PS: Can you mention a few players in the league who impressed you the most apart from your own team?

AA: I think the overall standard of the league has definitely gone up, and credit must go to all the players who’ve stepped up for their respective teams. You could see that everyone was committed to executing what their coaches asked of them, which reflects the growing tactical maturity in the women’s game here. While I won’t single out too many individuals, I must say that a number of young players have really caught the eye—names like Shubangi, Payal, Darshni, Pooja, Neha, Lynda, and Silky all showed great promise. It’s encouraging to see this emerging talent, and it speaks well for the future of Indian women’s football.

PS: Would you ever consider coaching in men’s football in the future?

AA: I’ve spent a significant part of my career in the men’s game as well, and this marks my fourth year in women’s football. At the end of the day, football is football—the core principles of leadership, tactical understanding, and player management apply across both. I’m always open to new challenges that help me grow as a coach. That said, my current focus is firmly on contributing to the continued growth and development of the women’s game, where I believe there is immense potential and impact to be made.

PS: The number of teams have reduced in the IWL from the initial years. What would you say is going wrong?

AA: It’s definitely a concern, because a strong league needs consistent participation to grow. I think it’s a combination of structural and financial challenges that clubs face when it comes to sustaining a women’s team. What we need is more long-term planning, better incentives, and stronger grassroots links to build a sustainable ecosystem. There’s talent and interest—it just needs more support and investment.

PS: Have you made any plans for the Asian stage and the team’s composition for next season?

AA: We’ve already begun initial discussions, both in terms of preparation for continental competition and squad planning. Competing at the Asian level requires depth, adaptability, and a different level of intensity. We’ll assess our current strengths, look at where we need reinforcements, and ensure the team is well-prepared tactically and mentally. It’s a big opportunity, and we want to represent the club and Indian football in the best possible way.

PS: What would you say about your exposure to Kolkata’s football culture in your first season here?

AA: Kolkata’s football culture is truly special. The passion here is unmatched—you can feel the emotion, history, and pride in every conversation about the game. Experiencing that firsthand has been an absolute privilege. The support we’ve received from the East Bengal faithful has been inspiring, and it’s clear that football isn’t just a sport here—it’s a way of life .

**This interview was originally published in the May edition of Pixel Sports (Print)