Kuchuk leaves post at Sheriff

Leonid Kuchuk says that he leaves behind "pure heart and soul" after parting company with FC Sheriff by mutual consent, despite the Tiraspol club in pole position to claim a tenth successive league title.

Moldovan first
Kuchuk, 50, assumed the reins in January 2004 and has secured the championship in each of his six seasons, as well as three Moldovan Cups and as many domestic Super Cups. Moreover, Sheriff this season became the first Moldovan club to qualify for the group stage of a UEFA club competition, finishing third in their UEFA Europa League section having been in contention to progress until a 1-0 loss to Fenerbahçe SK on Matchday 6.

Widespread success
"During my time here Sheriff achieved a lot both in Moldova and in Europe," the Belarussian told uefa.com. "At the same time, I have grown a lot as a coach. I want to thank the club's board for their trust. I leave Sheriff with pure heart and soul. Sheriff have new aims to achieve and I hope they continue what I have done here and become even more successful. Our coaches and players followed one simple rule: a draw was like a defeat for us; defeat a disaster." Sheriff went into the winter break two points clear of FC Iskra-Stali at the league summit.