Kolkata, Oct 26 (IANS) East Bengal’s football coach Subhas Bhowmick quit Monday, taking ‘moral responsibility’ for his club’s 3-5 drubbing against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan in an I-League game Sunday.

Bhowmick sent his resignation letter to club president Pranab Dasgupta, saying the team has not played well in any of the three tournaments – IFA Shield, Durand Cup and the oingoign I-League this year.

“I hold myself responsible for this,” the letter said. Bhowmick’s decision was on expected lines, as minutes after Sunday’s match, he had told reporters that he “ought to quit”.

The club officials had also made it known to the coach that he no more had their confidence.

It was the first time in the long rivalry between the two clubs that East Bengal had conceded five goals in a derby.

Thirty-four years back, East Bengal had butchered Bagan 5-0 in the IFA Shield Final.

Dasgupta said assistant coach Tusahr Rakshit and seasoned campaigner Bhaichung Bhutia would be in-charge of the side till the club zeroed in on a new coach.

The East Bengal executive committee meets Tuesday to look for Bhowmick’s replacement. The club’s next I-League match is opposite Salgaocar Sports Club, Goa, Oct 29 here.