Stepanovs accepts Auda role
Wednesday, December 18, 2002
Article summary
FK Ventspils and Latvia midfield player Igors V Stepanovs is to retire and become coach of FK Auda Riga.
Article body
Uncertain time
Stepanovs was recommended to Auda chairman Juris Gorkss by his coach at Ventspils, Paul Ashworth. "I cannot yet tell anything about the contract I am to sign," Stepanovs said after agreeing to take over. His plans are dependent on whether Auda will remain in the top flight for the 2003 season.
Hope despite relegation
The team were relegated from the Virsliga at the end of the 2002 season, but might retain their place next year if any of the promoted teams fail to meet the financial requirements of the top division.
International honours
"My plans depend on where we will end up playing – it will have an effect on signings and funding we need," Stepanovs said, although he stressed he would be coach regardless of the outcome. Before representing Ventspils, Stepanovs played for FC Skonto, with whom he won the Latvian championship and Cup. He was capped 12 times for his country.
