Kolkata, Apr 18 (IANS): Bengal's Santosh Trophy winning coach Mridul Banerjee has been appointed coach of East Bengal for the remainder of the season.

Banerjee, who led Bengal to their 32rd national championship crown beating Goa 1-0 in the latter's own den, took over the reins from Trevor Morgan, who resigned following a spate of poor performances on Monday.

The 56-year-old is expected to be in charge till the end of the Federation Cup that starts May 7.

The club's technical committee consisting former footballers Manoranjan Bhattacharya, Tushar Rakshit and Bhaskar Ganguly took the decision to appoint Banerjee, who'd been in charge of Mohammedan Sporting earlier this season.

Commenting on the development, Banerjee said: "Our aim will to stem the rot and make a turnaround. This team has the arsenal to do well and I will try my best."

On Sunday, East Bengal succumbed to their fourth defeat on the trot, losing to DSK Shivajians which crushed the title hopes of the Kolkata outfit.

East Bengal previously finished second best against city rivals Mohun Bagan, minnows Chennai City FC and Churchill Brothers SC.

The red and gold brigade are now third on the table with 27 points from 16 fixtures, below title contenders Aizawl FC and Mohun Bagan.