Bonev on board for Lokomotiv

Former Bulgaria coach Hristo Bonev is back in football after joining Premier League leaders PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

Championship amibiton
The club's owner, Georgi Iliev, personally appointed the 57-year-old, one of the most famous names in Bulgarian football, in the hope he can maintain the team's charge for the title and a place in next season's UEFA Champions League. Bonev has served the club before, both as a player and coach, although this time will have the position of manager.

Eranosyan departure
Despite their lofty position, Lokomotiv surprisingly parted company with coach Eduard Eranosyan last month. Ivan Marinov was placed in temporary charge and he will remain as coach, although Bonev will be on hand to help as the team target a league and cup double.

'Proven name'
Bonev has plenty of experience, both from his 96 caps and 47 goals for his country and because of coaching spells in Greece, Cyprus and Germany. "Hristo Bonev is a proven name which means a lot for our club," said Lokomotiv's executive director, Emil Nakov. "He will help the coaching staff with advice and will be responsible for the transfer policy."