David Booth succeeds Bencherifa at Salgaocar

British coach David Booth has been appointed Salgaocar's chief coach for the ongoing I-League season. He replaces Karim Bencharifa, who moved to Mohun Bagan.

Booth previously coached Mahindra United and Mumbai FC.

"We have appointed David Booth for this I-League and he will be joining the club on November 18," said club secretary Raj Gomes.

Peter Valles, who was assistant to Bencharifa, will be the interim coach till Booth joins the club. Gomes, though, declined to reveal Booth's remuneration, calling it "unethical".

He was, however, "very" hopeful of a good showing from the club under Booth's guidance in the remainder of the league that kicked-off in the first week of this month.

Under the 64-year-old Booth, the now defunct Mahindra United had a highly successful time, winning the prestigious Federation Cup, Super Cup and the Mumbai League in the 2003-04 season.

He also tasted success with Mumbai FC, helping them win the I-League second division besides finish runners-up in the Mumbai Elite division.

Booth had also won the Football Players Association of India's (FPAI) Coach of the Year award.

Bencherifa quit Salgaocar last week and returned to Bagan, which had shown him the door just two seasons ago under ugly circumstances.

Speculation is rife that the Kolkata giants offered the Moroccan a sum he couldn't refuse.