Kolkata, Feb 19 (IANS): Dutchman Eelco Schattorie Thursday was named the new head coach of city soccer giants East Bengal, hours after Armando Colaco bade an emotional farewell to the club after getting to know about the new recruit.

A hurt Colaco said after the morning practice that he expected the club to inform him in advance about their choice. "It hurts. I don't want this ever to happen to anyone. The Colaco era is over."

The club held a media meet in the evening and announced former United SC coach Schattorie as the new head coach.

Club secretary Kalyan Majumdar said the Goan was replaced as he had received a series of text messages from Colaco regarding his "ill health".

"Whatever has happened is unfortunate. But since football is a body contact game, one cannot continue if he is not fit. We have high regards for Colaco, the best Indian coach."

The 43-year-old Schattorie said he needed time to reorganize the side.

"My plan is to become make the team champions," he said.

Colaco, appointed East Bengal coach in November 2013, had a stormy stint in the club. Under him, the club made an early exit from this year's Federation Cup, following which Colaco drew flak from the media, which took him apart for not fielding the right combination and failing to infuse the right spirit in the team.