Altman in charge

Semen Altman, who resigned from FC Metalurh Donetsk this January, will take over Ukrainian Premier League basement side FC Chornomorets Odesa, club president Leonid Klimov has confirmed.

Dual role
Altman, 56, who has previously been associated with the club for long periods and was the fans' choice, will not only be the head coach, but also head the sports department. Leonid Gaydarzhi and Olexandr Skripnyk will serve as Altman's assistants in both of his capacities.

'Especially pleased'
"Over the past years, we have repeatedly tried to attract Altman to the club", said Klimov. "And we are especially pleased that we finally have come to an agreement today. The opportunity to invite Altman was a chance we had to take".

Coaching success
In the late 1990s Altman won two Moldovan titles with FC Zimbru Chisinau. Then, in 2002, he led Metalurh to their first ever top three finish in Ukraine, and was in charge as the club made their debut in UEFA Cup.

'A real future'
"Before accepting, I spent a lot of time speaking to Chornomorets officials, and I realised this team has a chance. If I did not see a real future there, I would not have accepted the offer", Altman said.

'Great responsibility'
He added: "I have been with Chornomorets for 25 years in various capacities. It is a sort of tradition that Odesa people are always ready to come back and help their team when it is in trouble. So, I am under a great responsibility at the moment. I knew what I was doing and I will do my best to help the team to stay in the Premier League."

Mid-season camp
Chornomorets, who have just eight points from 15 games, will travel to mid-season camp in Turkey on 13 February, where they will stay until 1 March. On 8 March they entertain FC Volyn Lutsk as the season resumes.