'Hero' returns to Naftex

Dimitar Dimitrov has returned as coach of Bulgarian Premier League club PFC Naftex Burgas after a seven-year absence from the Neftochimik stadium.

Family reasons
Dimitrov, nicknamed 'hero' by Bulgarian football fans, has signed a three-year contract with Naftex after resigning from his managerial post at PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv at the beginning of the month. "I have to return to Burgas, where I will be able to take care of my wife and children," said Dimitrov after his departure from Plovdiv. "I have been away from my family for seven years."

Terms agreed
The former Bulgaria national coach initially ruled out a job with Naftex, saying: "I don't have a contract with another club and it is highly probable that some time [will] pass before I coach again". However, only three weeks later he agreed terms with Naftex managing director Hristo Portochanov.

Successful period
The Dimitrov era at Naftex marked the club's most successful period. Under his guidance the club finished runners-up to PFC CSKA Sofia in the 1996/97 season, only three years after promotion to the top flight. He left for PFC Litex Lovech in the autumn of 1997.

'Future perspective'
Now installed in Burgas, the 44-year-old Dimitrov said: "We will start building a new team with a perspective for the future. We are aiming high and we should not rush things. The squad should be built step-by-step". Aleksi Zhelyazkov and former Naftex caretaker coach, Dimitar Stoychev, will assist Dimitrov in his efforts.