Luzhny leaves Latvia expectant

By Michael Korlev

With Oleh Luzhny installed as player-coach, Latvian First Division debutants FC Venta have dominated the preparations for the new season.

Great expectations
The former FC Dynamo Kyiv and Arsenal FC defender made the surprise move to the city of Ventspils last week and his arrival has led to much speculation, with a number of his old international team-mates linked with the club. Valentins Lobanovs, who is presently a free agent, FC Moskva's Andris Vanins and Vladimirs Kolesnicenko and FC Shinnik Yaroslavl striker Girts Karlsons have all been linked with a return to their homeland.

Contrasting fortunes
Luzhny's arrival is not the only change at Venta, who are moving from Ventspils to a smaller city in the Kurzeme region, Kuldiga, as the club attempt to create the perfect conditions to make an impact in their first season in the top flight. Their experiences are in stark contrast to those of the team that were promoted alongside them last term. FK Zibens/Zemessardze have declined a move to the élite division after deeming they had insufficient funds. They will continue to play in the second division.

Vacancy to fill
This decision leaves a vacancy in the top flight and the Latvian Football Federation is currently in discussions about how to fill it, with the possibility of a Latvia Under-19s team, drawn from the seven other Virsliga clubs, filling the place. The season's fixtures have been drawn regardless and Venta have been given the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their credentials as they face Skonto FC - the champions for the past 14 years - in their opening match on 10 April.

Starkovs calls
Elsewhere, with the Russian season also approaching, former Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs has taken one of his old international charges, Andrejs Rubins, to FC Spartak Moskva from Shinnik. Meanwhile, another Latvian international, Aleksandrs Kolinko, has joined FC Rubin Kazan after impressing at struggling FC Rostov last term.