Kolkata, July 27 (IANS): Defending Indian Super League champions Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) on Monday appointed former Mohun Bagan player Bastab Roy as the franchise's assistant coach.

Roy holds the "B" certificate as a coach and has appeared for the "A" certificate course recently. He will support Antonio Lopez Habas in team management and will also take part in training modules for the players.

"I welcome Bastab into the Atletico de Kolkata family and his experience with leading clubs of Kolkata will enrich our players who hail from different parts of India and the world. What impressed me about him is the dedication he has shown coaching grass root level footballers in Bengal.

"We hope he will bring his skills and knowledge about the game into the formation of the new team for Atletico de Kolkata and help the players in fulfilling their respective roles for the side," Habas said in a release.

"I am truly excited with my role as an assistant coach for the champion side Atletico de Kolkata. It will be a dream come true to support Antonio Lopez Habas in the quest for the trophy for the second time," said Roy.

Roy has earlier coached teams like Customs and Rainbow Athletic Club in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) was also in charge of the ATK 3rd division outfit.