Andone gone from Cypriot challengers

Plea to fans
Andone, a former Romanian international, stepped down today in the wake of a 2-1 Cyprus Cup loss to AEK Larnaca FC. The 46-year-old cited his unhappiness with refereeing decisions against Omonia but also asked the club's supporters "to stand by their team because they have the strength to do even better". Omonia, who sit second in the table, were aggrieved to have a late effort disallowed in a 2-2 draw with league leaders APOEL in December. Andone's departure is a real setback given his coaching pedigree. The 46-year-old arrived at Omonia in Christmas 2005 having previously won the Romanian title with FC Dinamo 1948 Bucuresti.

Stange quits
Cypriot champions Apollon Limassol FC are also looking for a new coach after Bernd Stange resigned following a string of poor results. With Apollon fifth in the table, 14 points off the top, the German trainer decided to follow out of the club Freddie John Paul, the chairman who brought him to Cyprus before stepping down two months ago. Apollon defender Vassos Melanarkitis has taken temporary charge of the first team.