Ashvin Asani Departs the Dragoons
The Dragoons are extremely sad to announce that Ashvin Asani temporarily stepped down as Head Coach.
Due to a change in personal circumstances, Asani has left Krakow for the immediate future. We hope that Ash will return to Krakow in due course to re-take charge of the club next term.
Asani is a huge part of the Dragoons folklore as a club legend and future hall of fame candidate. He first met Expats Chairman Alex Băcica in 2015 and has been an associate ever since. With his playing days behind him, Asani became Alex’s first choice to lead the Dragoons in the Krakow Sunday League. Asani has always stuck to his guns in employing an exciting style of possession based and fast attacking football.
A Winning Formula
Since the club entered the Polish league system Ash has a 57.65% winning ratio as Head Coach. He has lead the team on 85 occasions, guiding the club to the B Klasa title in 2021/22. In total, he has overseen 49 victories, 10 draws and 26 defeats with a whopping 304 goals scored and 183 conceded.
On Asani’s departure, Băcica commented “Ash is one of the founders and literally the first person I met from what would later be the Dragoons. He was appointed as manager since day one, and led the team through the last Sunday league season and all official seasons since, missing only a handful of games in 6 years“.
Băcica added “He managed to create a play style and identity for the club. Ash always got the best out of the players we had and was truly dedicated to the cause. He put a lot of time and effort to shape the squad too“.
Interim Head Coach Announced
Current assistant coach Hugo Cruz will step up to be the Interim Head Coach following Asani’s temporary departure.
Like with Asani, Cruz has been with the club since it’s formation. The Portuguese coach recently intended to return to playing full time. However, after suffering a career ending knee injury against WLKS Krakus Swoszowice, Cruz announced his retirement from playing.
On the appointment of Cruz as the interim Head Coach, chairman Alex Băcica commented “Hugo will assume the role of interim Head Coach. He became an assistant shortly after the first official game as multiple knee surgeries kept him sidelined for a long time. Having worked together with Ash for such a long time, they developed the style of play together and he will continue doing the good work. I am glad the team will stay in good hands“.
Hugo is currently away on vacation, so Scott Halcrow will take charge of the team in his absence.
We would like to wish Ash the very best of luck and hope to see him back on the sideline as soon as possible. You and your dedication are going to be a very, very big miss to all at the club.