Pala takes up Lech position

Lubomir Pala has taken over as coach of Ekstraklasa club KKS Lech Poznan.

Delayed appointment
The Czech coach had been due to join the Polish top-flight club in the middle of the season, but he was under contract at second division side Swit Nowy Dwor Mazowiecki. In his absence, Pala's fellow Czech coach Bohumil Panik was appointed on a temporary basis until Pala was free to take over.

Quick promotion
The 38-year-old moved to Poland in 2001/02 as assistant to Werner Liczka at KP Polonia Warszawa, before joining Swit after a successful season. Panik will stay with Lech as Pala's assistant.