Unexpected changes at Darida

Newly-promoted FC Darida Zhdanovichi have unexpectedly sacked coach Vladimir Kurnev, who led the club to promotion to the Belarussian First Division. He will be replaced by Viktor Sokol.

'I am shocked'
Kurney, who guided the club to the Vhsshaya Liga for the first time in their history, was shocked by the move. "On Wednesday I met club officials who seriously criticized me on few aspects of my work. I am shocked to hear that, having taken this club from second division to the top [flight]. I don’t understand what I am blamed for," he said.

Opportunity declined
Kurnev’s success with Darida had led to him being offered the post of coach of FC Dinamo Minsk three months ago, a position he refused, opting instead to stay with Darida.

'No big changes'
Darida’s new coach announced his intentions, as Sokol said: “I am not going to make any big changes in the near future. I will decide on who to sign and other questions as soon as I settle in the club.”

Illustrious career
Sokol featured for FC Dinamo Brest, FC Dinamo Minsk and FC Yagellonia Belostok in his playing career. He started his coaching career at Dinamo in 1994, winning the Belarus Cup a year later. He returned to Brest as a coach in June 2001, before becoming the assistant coach of Belarus Under-19 side in April 2002.