Name change for Metalurh
Thursday, December 19, 2002
Article summary
FC Metalurh Mariupil have changed their name and signed two new players.
Article body
FC Metalurh Mariupil have changed their name and signed two new players as they prepare for the second half of the Ukrainian season.
Name change
From now on Metalurh will be known as FC Ilyichevets Mariupill. The decision to rename the club was taken this week, with officials saying the main reason was the existence of two other clubs using the name 'Metalurh' in the Ukrainian Premier League. Ilyichevets derives from the name of the club's main sponsor, metal factory Ilyich.
Two signings
The newly-named club has also secured the signings of 29-year-old former Ukraine international defender Olexandr Koval from FC Sokol Saratov and 25-year-old forward Andriy Holovko from FC Metalist Kharkiv.
Top-flight debut
The club made its debut in the top flight in 1996. This year, Ilyichevets are ninth in the league, with 15 points from 16 games. The Ukrainian league is on its winter break - action will resume on 8 March.
